Group Intervention for Women Suffering from Endometriosis, Held at the Center for Treatment of Endometriosis, Sheba Medical Center

This work describes a group intervention for women suffering from endometriosis, performed at the centre for Endometriosis, Sheba medical centre, Israel. Diagnosed among 2% to 10% of fertile women, endometriosis is a gynaecological disease in which cell tissue that lines the inside of the uterine cavity (the endometrium) flourishes outside of the uterine. These abnormally located cells/tissues go through the same biological processes as in the normal endometrium. Monthly light bleeding leads to inflammation in the surrounding tissues and causes the main symptoms: chronic pains, digestive problems, fertility complications and fatigue. Researchers noted a decline in these patients’ quality of life. Studies recommend that medical treatments address not only the physical aspects of the disease, but the emotional, sexual and social aspects as well, so as to improve their quality of life. Hence, the intervention focused on the women’s reduced quality of life and wellbeing, as displayed by their low self-esteem, sense of loneliness, inability to withstand chronic pain, decreased daily functionality and a sense of loss of control. The goal of the intervention was to improve their quality of life and wellbeing. Seven group facilitated meetings based on the narrative approach were held. The women noted that their participation significantly reduced feelings of loneliness. They felt understood and accepted with a sense of belonging. They felt an enhanced ability to cope with the disease and identified inner strengths that helped to increase their sense of control over their condition. Consequently, they noticed a change in their self-perception and the perception of their condition. They felt less guilt and began coming to terms with their condition, while exploring better ways to cope with it. Therefore, we recommend conducting similar group interventions for endometriosis patients as an additional tool for improving their quality of life.