Att leva med endometrios : en litteraturstudie

Background: Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease which means that the uterine mucosa grows outside the uterine cavity. The disease causes women' pain and affects the quality of life and it takes an average of five to seven years to get the diagnosis established. Aim: The aim of this study was to illustrate women's exeperiences of living with endometriosis. Method: This is a literature study where method to contribute to evidence-based nursing based on analysis of qualitative research was used. Results: Findings in the study showed that women with endometriosis experienced limitations in their daily life. Pain was the most described symptom and women experienced lack of knowledge of themselves and by their surroundings. They risked being misstrusted because of normalization of the symptoms. The women developed strategies to take back control over their lives which helped them to master the disease. Conclusion: In order to provide advice and support, the nurse needs increased knowledge about endometriosis and how it affects the women's lives. It would also reduce the time of delayed diagnosis.