Women Affected by Endometriosis: Their Anxieties and Coping Methods

Objective

This study aimed to determine the anxieties and coping methods of women diagnosed with endometriosis.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological approach. Sixteen women diagnosed with endometriosis were selected through criterion sampling. Data were analyzed using inductive analysis.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 32.62 ± 7.42 years, the mean age at diagnosis was 27.50 ± 6.87 years, and the mean age at symptom onset was 22.37 ± 8.13 years. Only four women had heard of endometriosis prior to diagnosis. All married participants who wished to conceive (n = 7) were diagnosed with infertility. Three main themes and nine sub-themes were identified: i. Emotions at the time of diagnosis (fear, anxiety, sadness, feeling bad, surprise, relief, numbness, feeling incomplete, and depression); ii. Anxieties related to endometriosis (pregnancy, chronic pain, inability to cope, ovarian damage, medication side effects, delayed diagnosis, lack of information, cyst rupture, and fear of inheritance by children); iii. Coping strategies (researching, avoidance, changing physicians, psychological support, regular check-ups, acceptance/giving up, family support, positive thinking, and oocyte freezing).

Conclusion

Due to the long-term nature of endometriosis treatment and follow-up, it is essential to closely monitor women and provide social and psychological support. Increasing awareness among the general public and health professionals, organizing educational activities, and promoting interinstitutional cooperation are recommended.