Endometriosis and stigmatization: A literature review

Abstract

Endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting women worldwide, remains a complex and enigmatic disease. Despite its appearance and debilitating symptoms, the lack of sufficient information about endometriosis often leads to misconceptions and stigmatization of women. This literature review aims to shed light on the phenomenon of stigma surrounding endometriosis and its profound impact on the mental health of affected women. The search for relevant literature was conducted in the databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria for the studies were as follows: patients with endometriosis, exploration of the phenomenon of stigma in this sample, qualitative or quantitative design, publication after 2000, and written in English. Out of the total of 478 articles identified from the three databases, 6 articles met the inclusion criteria for this literature review. The review’s findings indicate that women with endometriosis encounter stigma from an early age, extending from their school years into adulthood. Employers and family members often question the severity of their pain, while menstrual pain is unjustly normalized as something women should endure. The impact of this stigma and criticism on the mental health of these women is profound, leading to feelings of despair, social exclusion, and even suicidal thoughts. In conclusion, this literature review underscores the pressing need for increased awareness and efforts to address the stigma surrounding endometriosis.