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.