Women’s experience of healthcare encounters related to endometriosis : A general literature study

Background: Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of childbearing age globally. Women often wait years to receive a diagnosis and face challenges both with the management of symptoms as well as treatment. Affected women often have multiple contacts with the health care system and a great need for support. Aim: The aim was to describe women ́s experiences of healthcare meetings in relation to endometriosis. Method: A qualitative literature review based on 11 articles analyzed using Braun and Clarke ́s thematic analysis. Result: Theme; Treatment affects the woman ́s sense of safety and causes suffering and five subthemes; Lack of information, invalidation and reduction of experiences, normalization of symptoms, ignorance and inadequate care and the importance of responsiveness and social skills were identified. Conclusion: The safety of women with endometriosis is compromised when the healthcare system does not provide sufficient quality. Women have experiences of being exposed to ignorance among health care professionals, normalization of their experiences and lack of getting sufficient information in the care meeting. The women risk unnecessary suffering and negative health impact, which leads to a deterioration in quality of life. The results show that more research is needed on the subject.