“How Much Pain Do I Really Have to be in Before I’m Taken Seriously?” Participants’ Experiences of Diagnosis and Management of Endometriosis and/or Chronic Pelvic Pain in Australian Primary Care
Abstract
One in seven Australian women is diagnosed with endometriosis by age 44–49. This qualitative study, involving two focus group discussions with 17 participants diagnosed with endometriosis and/or chronic pelvic pain (CPP), explored their perspectives and experiences in primary care. Inductive reflexive thematic analysis highlighted the significant challenges participants faced accessing diagnosis and management. Seven themes emerged, including substantial impacts on quality of life, barriers related to healthcare access and affordability, perceived inadequate skills amongst general practitioners and lack of community awareness regarding these conditions. Findings highlight the need for enhanced support for participants with endometriosis and CPP attending primary care.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Endometriosis Research and Treatment
Menstrual Health and Disorders
Pediatric Pain Management Techniques
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Women s Reproductive Health
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 483–504
- Publication date
- 1 February 2026
- Language
- EN