“A protracted struggle” – A qualitative blog study of endometriosis healthcare experiences in Sweden

Abstract

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological disease that often has a negative effect on mental, physical, sexual and social health, resulting in lower quality of life. Endometriosis healthcare experiences have typically been described in terms of normalisation, trivialisation and a lack of knowledge from healthcare professionals. These experiences are often reported via individual interviews or focus group interviews. Studying internet blogs may contribute additional information that might not be disclosed during interviews. Therefore, observing and analysing content from blog posts may present an opportunity to gain additional understanding of how healthcare encounters can be experienced by individuals with endometriosis.