How can healthcare providers reduce the adverse effects of endometriosis on women’s life course?

Abstract Background Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease that affects about 10% of women of reproductive age. Its symptoms vary in severity and manifestation. Diagnosis is often delayed by an average of 10 years, which may significantly affect women’s lives. This study explores how endometriosis morbidity affects women’s relationships, intimacy, and employment over their lifetime. Methods An online survey was conducted in February 2024 among Jewish Israeli women aged 18 to 50. Out of the 573 women, 270 were diagnosed with endometriosis. The survey collected information on the women’s diagnostic status, pain severity, social support, negative interactions, life-course impact, and distance from the doctor’s clinic. Results Women with endometriosis experience a negative impact on their life course compared to women without the disease, particularly in relationships and intimacy (39.41 vs. 18.44, p<.001) and employment (19.39 vs. 19.11, p<.001). A multivariate regression model was used to predict the effect of endometriosis on the women’s life course and revealed that a negative impact on relationships and intimacy (R2=.385, n = 505) might be predicted by longer travel distance to the doctor’s clinic, higher reported pain level, less reported social support level, and higher reported negative interactions. Furthermore, a negative effect on employment (R2 = .270, n = 513) was predicted by a longer distance to the clinic, a higher reported pain level, less reported social support level, and higher reported negative interactions. Conclusions Enencing supportive environments and increasing accessibility to health services is vital to improving the negative impact of endometriosis on women’s lives. Key messages • Endometriosis treatment requires a multi-faceted approach, including supportive frameworks, reducing negative interactions, and addressing gaps in health service accessibility. • Awareness must be raised among employers regarding endometriosis, creating a supportive environment and making necessary adjustments for employees to openly communicate their needs and struggles.