The effects of endometriosis on South African women's perceived quality of life.

Abstract

Endometriosis is a painful and debilitating chronic gynaecological condition experienced by women in their reproductive years. This illness impacts on their fertility rate and on their general quality of life. Current research into the lived experience and perceived quality of life of women living with Endometriosis is lacking. Considering the prevalence of this condition, an understanding of women's lived experiences and the processes from which meaning is generated is essential to assist women and their families in coping with Endometriosis. Illness representation theory provided some insight into the meaning making processes involved in understanding and coping with a chronic illness. A phenomenological study was conducted to explore women with Endometriosis' lived experiences and the pervasiveness of this condition in terms of their perceived quality of life. I argued that dynamic relationships exist between the women's personal, social and medical worlds and that these interactions provide the context for the creation of women's lived experiences of Endometriosis.