ENDOMETRIOSIS: HERE'S WHY IT SHOULD STOP BEING TABOO!

Endometriosis is a disease that affects as many as one in ten women, but - despite this - it has remained a taboo and there is really too little talk about it. It may be because it concerns only the female gender or because it is not yet sufficiently known and is difficult to diagnose. , but the result is that women are almost afraid (not to say shame) to accept it and talk about it.

But let's start from the beginning: what is endometriosis? It is a disease caused by an abnormal accumulation of endometrial cells outside the uterus. This accumulation causes a chronic inflammation that manifests itself with severe pain and problems in the area of the pubis and intestine. Symptoms tend to intensify in the intestine. premenstrual period, menstrual period and during ovulation. Chronic pelvic pain, fatigue, pain during sexual intercourse: these are often symptoms that overlap with those of other problems, and also for this reason it is not an easy disease to diagnose.

Endometriosis can also lead to infertility problems, a field in which we continue to investigate: this is not a necessary consequence, but it is a fact that 30% of those unable to have children are affected. various tests that can be done to diagnose the disease include gynecological visits, rectal examinations, MRI scans, pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound scans and others that may vary from patient to patient.

The important thing, however, is that we talk about it and become more and more aware of the existence of this pathology and the problems it entails, in order to help the many women who suffer from it, often victims of misunderstanding or left to themselves. Fortunately, today we have more than one virtuous example of famous women who have declared to suffer from it (one of all: Lena Dunham), giving us all a testimony of courage that makes us all feel less alone.

And the Italian Endometriosis Foundation has been supporting women in Italy since 2007, created with the aim of implementing research on this disease and promoting support and treatment, first of all by disseminating the necessary information. The work of the Foundation it is exemplary because, in addition to having reported very important results in diagnostics and in the development of adequate therapies, it insists on the importance of giving endometriosis the dignity it deserves, to the parties of other social diseases, thus also fighting against prejudice and discrimination gender.

Endometriosis: the treatment also passes from the diet

The Italian Endometriosis Foundation is also responsible for the development of a specific diet to combat endometriosis, because knowing and accepting it means first of all taking care of oneself, and this starting from nutrition. The medical-scientific staff of the Foundation, in fact, he recommends a diet that allows you to reduce pain and inflammation.

First of all it is necessary to increase the consumption of fibers: they help digestion and allow the intestine to function better, also reducing the circulation of estrogens in the blood, with less impact on the tissues. The recommended amount of fiber should be around 20 / 30% with each meal.

Omega 3 fatty acids are also useful for fighting endometriosis: omega 3, in fact, is perfect for alleviating inflammation of the abdomen.

Instead, it is better to drastically reduce dairy products and meats (especially industrial): they could worsen inflammation. The same goes for alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, butter and margarine.

However, soy-based products that contain phytoestrogens should be avoided altogether.

The sunflower of endometriosis: no to taboos and yes to sharing

The sunflower was chosen as a symbol of the fight against endometriosis: a flower capable of always turning towards the light, so that it can represent a hope and a support in the battle for all the women who suffer from it.

Endometriosis is not only painful from a physical point of view, but also from a psychological one: women do not feel sufficiently supported, they do not see equal dignity with other diseases recognized to the problem, they need protection at work which is still far from sufficient. Often it is precisely the lack of social acceptance of this pathology that isolates them and creates a taboo that must be absolutely eliminated.

Information and training are necessary, starting with health personnel who are not always trained on this disease, and therefore diagnoses are often made late.

It is also essential for women suffering from endometriosis to be able to talk about their problem, to be able to discuss it feeling welcomed within a community that understands them. The Italian Endometriosis Foundation has founded a real Community, a dedicated group in which it is possible to share experience, receive information, update on the state of research. Above all, it is a place where you can find the right psychological support. Although there is still a lot of work to do, together it is certainly easier!