The Intergenerational Impact of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects approximately 10% of women and those assigned female at birth. Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common symptom of endometriosis, and both have been linked to a variety of negative mental health outcomes. However, little research has examined the impact of endometriosis/CPP on the family system. We know from previous work on chronic pain generally that children of parents with chronic pain conditions have worse mental and physical health outcomes, but this has yet to be explored in endometriosis/CPP. This research therefore aims to understand the long-term impact of having a parent with endometriosis/CPP on child health outcomes including mental and physical health, as well as the impact on family relationships and parenting.