The Invisible is an exploration of my experience with endometriosis. Diagnosed after 10 years of medical wandering, it cost me 7 surgeries in less than 2 years. But this is not about me:
Endometriosis, characterized by the presence of endometrial tissues outside the uterine region, affects 176 million women of childbearing age worldwide, 1 out of 10 basically. Yet it remains largely unknown, misunderstood and under-diagnosed because it is a female disease. Endometriosis is proving today to be more than a health issue. This is a real issue of women's rights. Research about its causes and treatment suffers from a clear lack of funding. No therapy exists, the treatments give relief but do not cure.
For many patients, the battle continues after diagnosis because of this therapeutic void. The options available to women remain extremely limited. The struggle for diagnosis is only the first obstacle. The following health trail is full of pitfalls and endless struggle, not to mention the social, economic, and psychological impacts of the disease. These intimate images go beyond autobiography, they are proofs.
There is a huge stigma surrounding menstrual health. Women’s pain is not being taken seriously and even describe as hysteria, depression or stress. Meanwhile, million of women are suffering due to chronic lack of research.
