Living with endometriosis: a phenomenological study
Teresa Rea, Pierluigi Giampaolino, Silvio Simeone, Gianluca Pucciarelli, Rosaria Alvaro, Assunta Guillari
Abstract
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.