En smärta att ta på allvar - Kvinnors upplevelser av att leva med endometrios

: En litteraturstudie

Abstract

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease that manifests
itself through disturbed physiology when endometrial cells spread to other tissues
and organs, which causes an immunological response with inflammation and pain
as a result. The disease is manifested as heavy bleeding, abdominal pain,
headache, fatigue and fertility problems. To enable insight into what it is like for
women to live with endometriosis, and to identify early signs and symptoms for
reduced suffering, education is essential.

Aim: The purpose was to shed light on
women’s experiences of living with endometriosis.

Method: Literature study based on eight qualitative articles and two with mixed method.

Results: Women’s experiences of living with endometriosis are mostly negative and several different aspects are affected by endometriosis. The results are presented in four main
categories: perceived physical impact, mental and existential stress, perceived
social impact and the feeling of not being understood. Within the four main
categories there are eight subcategories.

Discussion: In the results discussion, three findings are highlighted from the results of the study. The variation and width of the pain, the importance of knowledge in care and the hidden suffering.
The findings are discussed based on McCormack and McCances framework for
person-centered care and from a societal- and global perspective.

Conclusion: Endometriosis restricted women’s lives from a physical, psychological and social
perspective. The pain was experienced as a big suffering, which resulted in
women isolating themselves, losing relationships and had a negative impact on
working life and education. Knowledge, skills development and research in the
experiences of how it is to live with endometriosis is essential in order to stop
women’s silent suffering.

Date of Award	2023-Jun
Original language	Swedish
Supervisor	Gabriella Nilsson (Supervisor) & Marie Nilsson (Examiner)