Nursing approach in women diagnosed with endometriosis and quality of life

Abstract

Endometriosis is a progressive disease that may present with chronic pelvic pain, severe dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, fatigue, gastrointestinal/urinary complaints, and infertility, and its psychosocial burden increases due to diagnostic delays that can extend over years. “It affects approximately 10% of women and girls of reproductive age worldwide. Endometriosis, a disease that negatively affects women’s quality of life, may be diagnosed late. The most common clinical findings are chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Treatment methods for endometriosis include medical treatment, surgical treatment, or a combination of both, as well as promoting healthy nutrition and lifestyle behaviors. In nursing care, key components include creating a safe communication environment to obtain a comprehensive history and ensure early referral, patient advocacy, woman-centered and shared decision-making, and education and counseling aimed at treatment adherence and awareness of recurrence. For symptom management, pain–stress control (breathing exercises, relaxation/Benson technique), education on healthy nutrition and regular exercise, pelvic floor exercises, sexual health and fertility counseling, and referral to support groups when needed are recommended. Endometriosis management requires a sustainable care model within a multidisciplinary team, in which the nurse/midwife coordinates evidence-based care, provides continuous follow-up, and offers holistic psychosocial support focused on improving quality of life. This review aimed to describe the nursing approach to endometriosis.