One in 7 women suffers from vulvodynia, vodcast to give voice to female pain

Despite its debilitating impact, the pathology is not yet included in the Lea and many patients report years of missed or denied diagnoses – on average 4-5 years and up to 10 doctors consulted before a clinical recognition.

One in seven women suffers from vulvodynia, a chronic, painful syndrome that is still underrecognized and can affect every aspect of daily life: dressing, sitting, working, and even intimate life. Despite its debilitating impact, the condition is still not included in the Essential Health Care (LEA) guidelines, and many patients report years of missed or denied diagnoses—an average of four to five years and up to ten doctors consulted before clinical recognition. To break the silence on this issue, Sanitas Farmaceutici is launching "A Voce Alta," a vodcast dedicated to giving voice to invisible women's pain. This multimedia project combines patient testimonials, conversations with specialists, and reflections on treatment, restoring visibility and dignity to a pain that has gone unheard for too long. November 11th is Vulvodynia Day.

"With 'A Voce Alta' we wanted to give substance to our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)," explains Stefano Parlati, CEO of Sanitas Farmaceutici. "We believe that a responsible company should contribute not only with medicines and research, but also with education, awareness, and a listening ear. This project was created to improve the quality of life of women living with vulvodynia and to promote open dialogue between patients and clinicians."

The vodcast, consisting of seven episodes hosted by pharmacologist Livio Luongo and popularizer Chiara Natale, features discussions with seven nationally renowned experts—including gynecologist Filippo Murina, gynecologist Maria Teresa Schettino, psychosexologist Francesca Romana Tiberi, obstetrician Micol Macrì, personal trainer Dario Ghezzi, rheumatologist Alberto Sulli, anesthesiologist and pain therapist and member of the Scientific Technical Committee (CTS) Consalvo Mattia, and a presentation by nutritionist Alessio Fabbricatore—who address the condition from medical, psychological, and social perspectives.

"Finally," emphasizes Livio Luongo, "there's a space where patients and doctors can openly discuss issues that too often remain silent or shamed. The language of science meets that of experience, building a new collective awareness."

"Talking about vulvodynia," adds Chiara Natale, patient and co-host, "means restoring a voice, credibility, and solidarity to thousands of women. The internet has become a place of legitimacy, but the commitment of companies is also needed to ensure continuity and rigor to this cultural shift."