"Effortful" motherhood: A mixed-methods study of the impact of endometriosis on family life.

Abstract

Endometriosis can significantly affect family and intimate relationships. This mixed-methods study examined the impact of endometriosis on family life, with a focus on parenting. Women completed an online survey including three open-ended questions, analysed using Template Thematic Analysis. Quantitative analyses included t-tests comparing parents and non-parents on mental health and social outcomes, and multiple regressions examining whether variables correlated to endorsement of themes. Fewer participants were parents compared with the general Australian population. Parents and non-parents reported comparable levels of pain and psychological distress. Parents reported greater friend support, while non-parents reported higher relationship satisfaction. Four themes were identified: early family planning influenced by medical advice; functional and emotional consequences for parents and children; challenges to romantic relationships; and ripple effects on family and social life. Pain severity predicted pre-conception impacts, and partner support predicted broader family and social effects, while psychological distress was unrelated to theme endorsement.