International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being (Jan 2020)

Living with endometriosis: a phenomenological study

  • Teresa Rea,
  • Pierluigi Giampaolino,
  • Silvio Simeone,
  • Gianluca Pucciarelli,
  • Rosaria Alvaro,
  • Assunta Guillari

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2020.1822621
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1

Abstract

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Purpose: To explore and understand the lived experiences of women with endometriosis. Method: Qualitative study using Cohen phenomenology. Results: The data analysis identified four main themes and two sub-themes. The main themes are: delay in diagnosis, which includes the sub-theme of the misunderstanding of one’s state; worsening of one’s life, which includes the sub-theme of a painful life; disastrous intimate life with one’s partner; and uncertainty about being able to have one’s own children. Conclusions: The themes that emerged represent the starting point for further research and for the implementation of specific educational and support strategies that improve self-care, commitment and quality of life for women with endometriosis.

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