Data File - Psychological Wellbeing and Endometriosis/Adenomyosis

Introduction: Endometriosis and adenomyosis are chronic health conditions that effect up to 20% of women. Despite their prevalence the average time for diagnosis is 7.5 years which can cause individuals’ significant psychological distress. Currently most research on these conditions focusses on the physical symptoms.

Aims: The aim of this research was to understand how living with endometriosis or adenomyosis impacts psychological wellbeing.

Results: Survey results of 114 participants indicated that more than 90% of participants experienced a lengthy and negative diagnostic process. They also reported feeling high levels of pain consistently, that impaired their daily functioning and was linked to severe levels of psychological distress.

Conclusions: This research highlights the serious psychological distress that many people diagnosed with these conditions experience as a result of chronic pain. Furthermore, it highlights the general dismissal of symptoms and the lack of support that individuals feel that they receive during the diagnostic process.