'My body is out to wreck everything I have': a qualitative study of how women with endometriosis feel about their bodies

• Published in: Psychology & health 2023-05, Vol.ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), p.1-19
• Main Authors: Mills, Jacqueline, Shu, ChellChih, Misajon, RoseAnne, Rush-Privitera, Georgia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: body dissatisfaction; body functioning; Endometriosis; objectification; reflexive thematic analysis
• ISSN: 0887-0446; 1476-8321
• DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2023.2218404

There is a distinct lack of research regarding the relationship with the body in women with endometriosis, despite the condition involving significant changes to appearance and impaired bodily functionality. The current study aimed to understand how women with endometriosis feel about their body. Participants completed an online survey with open-ended questions on how they feel about their body, physical appearance, and level of daily functioning. Responses from 315 women with endometriosis were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, generating three themes: 1) 'It makes me feel broken and inadequate' (Sense of being defective); 2) 'I feel like I'm in a war with it' (Sense of conflict); and 3) 'I feel like my body isn't mine; it's out of control' (Sense of alienation). The findings provide support for the notion that the relationship between the body and sense of self is particularly problematic for women with endometriosis and warrants therapeutic intervention. Future research should verify the efficacy of appreciation and self-compassion-based interventions for people with endometriosis.