Living with endometriosis: a phenomenological study

Objectives: To explore and understand the lived experiences of women with endometriosis. Design: Qualitative study using Cohen phenomenology. Setting:The study was conducted in the general setting of a university hospital in southern Italy. Participants:A total of twenty five adult women with endometriosis. 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.