Att leva med en sjukdom som inte finns : Kvinnors erfarenheter av att leva med endometrios

Background: Endometriosis is a relatively unknown disease both among society as in health care. Women suffer from severe pain and suffer multiple losses of relationship, social life, careers loss and low self-esteem. Aim: The aim of the study was to illuminate women's experiences of living with endometriosis. Method: This was a qualitative literature-based study. The data where analyzed and described in four categories.Results: Four main categories where found that had a major impact on the women's lives. The unpredictable pain, difficulties in getting pregnant, the feeling of powerlessness and to finally get a diagnosis. Conclusion: The women in the study experienced a lot of difficulties in daily life because of the endometriosis-related pain. Vague symptoms that are difficult to discern makes it difficult for both the patient and the health professional in the diagnosis. More knowledge about the disease and how it appears is needed to enhance the well-being of these patients.