Abstract
The topics of endometriosis and pain imply far-reaching problems for women's health. Using a qualitative research approach, this paper addresses the subjective experience and effects of pain, the methods for dealing with these issues, and the needs of affected women in Austria. Data were collected by problem-focused interviews conducted with ten women suffering from endometriosis, which were later transcribed and subjected to qualitative content analysis. Findings are therefore described using content-related categories. Results show that negative thoughts and feelings like fear, despair, and anger are associated with endometriosis and pain. Moreover, predominantly negative impacts and changes are found in various areas of life, such as the well-being and psyche of those affected, their attitude towards life in general, partnerships, social life, leisure time and work-life balance. In dealing with endometriosis and pain, both Western biomedicine and complementary medicine treatments are used. Support from one's inner circle of friends and exchange and interaction with others affected by the disease are seen to be invaluable. Attending physicians as well as patients themselves and their private, social, and working environment should encourage open communication about endometriosis and the related pain.
Highlights
Endometriosis is a chronic, benign, and estrogen-dependent disease in which endometrium grows outside the uterus 1 that affects around 10-15% of all women of reproductive age, resulting in around 176 million women worldwide 2
Qualitative content analysis 10 resulted in eight categories including sub-categories formed, of which categories 1, 2, 4 and 6 are relevant for the present discussion (Box 2)
Some interviewees stated that endometriosis was like a “shadow”, “a little monster” or a “wake-up call”, while others found it difficult to provide an individual description of the disease
Summary
Endometriosis is a chronic, benign, and estrogen-dependent disease in which endometrium grows outside the uterus 1 that affects around 10-15% of all women of reproductive age, resulting in around 176 million women worldwide 2. The scientific literature includes several qualitative studies on the pain experienced by women with endometriosis 3,4,5,6, showing that these women are often restricted in their private, social, or occupational lives by this condition 3,4,7,8,9. In Austria, detailed qualitative research on how women experience pain caused by endometriosis and which coping strategies they use has yet to be published. Information about the individual stressors and effects of pain caused by endometriosis is of importance here. Given these objectives, we used a qualitative study design and data evaluation based on qualitative content analysis to address the individual experiences and coping strategies of women 10
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
