Den osynliga sjukdomen : En litteraturbaserad studie om kvinnors upplevelse av att leva med endometrios

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects about ten of a hundred fertile women and means a profound change and suffering for them. Endometriosis means that tissue from the endometrium ends up on other tissues and organs where it begins to grow, which leads to inflammation. Aim: The aim of the study is to shed light on women’s experience of living with endometriosis. Method: A literature-based study based on qualitative research to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. Eight articles were analyzed and resulted in two main themes and six sub-themes. Results: The results are presented in two main themes Emotional stress, which describes how women live with pain and anxiety that affect relationships and self-esteem. New challenges, that describe all the challenges women face and how they are met and distrusted by healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Women living with endometriosis need adequate information as well as emotional and instrumental support. These needs can be met when the nurse takes responsibility for nursing and provides person-centered care.