«Sconsidering these figures for one’s health today, in Italy, should be considered a scandal. Yet this is what happens, in general silence, to around four million people every day.”he wrote Giorgia Soleri on social media showing the medical expenses incurred in a year to live with vulvodynia and chronic pelvic pain. The activist and influencer has returned to denounce the lack of health protection for those suffering from invisible and disabling pathologiessuch as vulvodynia, a pathology not recognized by the State.
The “receipt of pain” by Giorgia Soleri
Through a series of images shared on Instagram, Giorgia Soleri showed receipts and receipts documenting the medical expenses incurred over the course of a year: 8,463 euros in twelve monthsfor specialist visits, therapies and medications. An important figure, from which – as he specified – travel costs are excluded to reach clinics and medical centers (often in Northern Italy), as well as pelvic floor rehabilitation sessionsessential for those suffering from this pathology.
Vulvodynia has a price. Not recognized by the state
In his long post, Giorgia Soleri he remembered how vulvodynia and chronic pelvic pain are not yet officially recognized by the National Health System.
«The highest price is not the economic one – he wrote – but what we pay with our lives, torn apart by illness and invalidated by a system that reminds us, day after day, that for some, health is a luxury». Giorgia’s complaint comes on the occasion of the World Vulvodynia Dayan anniversary that aims to bring attention to a pain that is often ignored and underestimated, which affects Italy millions of women of all ages.
What is vulvodynia?
There vulvodynia it’s one chronic disease characterized by persistent, burning pain in the vulvar areawithout a specific identifiable cause. It can manifest itself as burning, itching, twinges or pain during sexual intercoursebut also during urination or simply sitting. Although extremely debilitating and profoundly impacts quality of life, it is not yet officially recognized as a disabling pathology by the National Health Service.
The causes may be multiple and not yet entirely clear: among the hypotheses, nerve inflammation, local hypersensitivity, trauma or alterations of the pelvic floor. Treatments require an approach multidisciplinary – gynecological, physiotherapeutic, psychological – and involve high costsoften entirely borne by the patients.
The right to health is not a privilege
With his testimony, Giorgia Soleri continues to be an important voice in the battle for the recognition of the rights of women suffering from vulvodynia and endometriosis. His commitment aims to raise awareness among institutions, so that these invisible diseases are finally included in the Essential Levels of Assistance (LEA)ensuring timely diagnoses and accessible treatments. «Because despite the art. 32 of our Constitution talks about health protection as a fundamental right of the individual and interest of the community, vulvodynia and chronic pelvic pain are not yet recognized by the State».
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