Between Helping and Harming: Diagnosing Medical Violence in the Case of Endometriosis

This cultural studies account explores medical management of endometriosis through the lens of patriarchal medical violence. Combining secondary sources and digital ethnography (40 patient stories from the Endozavest website, 2017–2025), it repositions discourses on medical management of endometriosis within the spectrum of patriarchal violence, develops a typology of violence, and highlights the Slovenian situation. The preliminary study uncovers multiple layers of violence, including normalising ignorance and invisibility, inappropriate diagnostics and treatments, discursive violence, and physical violence. By examining care structures as perceived, experienced, and navigated by patients, the paper identifies key challenges and potential avenues for enhancing care.