“Me and My Body”: the book that tells the story of vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is a condition that affects one in seven women, approximately 15% of the female population. Often linked to fibromyalgia, pudendal neuropathy, and endometriosis, this chronic and debilitating illness has yet to be officially recognized by Italy’s National Health Service (SSN). There are no standardized therapeutic protocols, limited research, insufficient medical training, and it has not been included in the Essential Levels of Care (LEA). To make matters worse, vulvodynia is frequently underestimated, dismissed, or even mocked, perpetuating a socio-cultural belief that it is just “normal” pain. 

Antonella Schirru, a writer, ghostwriter, and translator specializing in scientific topics, chose to shed light on this reality in her book Me and My Body, published by Edizioni Effetto.

In her book, Schirru narrates the story of Gioia and Costanza, a fictional character built from over 150 real interviews. «I wanted to write an informative book that explains this condition without using technical jargon but without oversimplifying it», the author explains. With a multidisciplinary approach, vulvodynia can be managed and controlled, enabling patients to regain a normal life.

An invisible illness

The story of Gioia and Costanza, Schirru lifts the veil on an invisible illness, highlighting not only the challenges of diagnosis and treatment but also the profound loneliness and pain it causes.

In an interview, Schirru emphasizes how vulvodynia is both widespread and overlooked. Women suffering from it experience chronic pain that severely impacts their quality of life, making it difficult to work, maintain social relationships, or even sit comfortably.

Often, the pain is not just physical but also psychological, exacerbated by diagnostic delays that can exceed six years, leaving patients to cope with unprepared or indifferent doctors.

Despite affecting a significant percentage of women, the lack of knowledge and training among healthcare professionals makes the diagnostic process extremely difficult.

«Unfortunately, there’s still a pervasive idea that women’s pain is normal, whether it’s menstrual or childbirth pain – Schirru points out – This mindset leads to women being told, even by doctors, ‘You just have to endure it.’ But pain is never normal, and it should never be tolerated».

The average diagnostic delay can exceed six years, during which women live with chronic pain that prevents them from working, socializing, or even sitting comfortably.

According to the author, everyone should read Me and My Body. Women affected by vulvodynia will find a lifeline to help them navigate the despair surrounding them; healthcare providers can develop a more empathetic approach; and healthy individuals can better understand what it means to live with unending pain.

Schirru shares, «Many women who have read the book saw themselves in its pages and told me, ‘That’s me.’ This is my goal: to show them they’re not alone and that this condition can be overcome».

Vulvodynia and gender-based

Schirru views the lack of recognition for vulvodynia as a form of gender-based violence. «Dismissing a female condition, minimizing it, or ignoring it is a form of violence against women. We cannot continue treating this pain as something to be silently endured».

The author is already working on a sequel to the book, enriched with new testimonials and practical information about the specialized centers emerging in Italy.

One of her initiatives is the creation of a “decalogue” of specialized vulvodynia centres to guide patients toward appropriate care. «These centres are growing, albeit slowly. Some are already being named Vulvodynia Centers, a sign that the taboo surrounding this condition is finally breaking», she says.

Me and My Body is a novel that not only tells a story but also educates, breaking the silence around a condition that demands attention and respect. With this book, Schirru aims to deliver a clear message: «You can return to a normal life. Vulvodynia is not a life sentence but a challenge that can be faced with the right medical and social support».