About this Research Topic
Endometriosis is one of the most common chronic gynaecological conditions. Although its prevalence is difficult to determine, it is estimated that across the globe around 10% (176 million) of women may be affected by endometriosis, but in those with infertility, this prevalence may increase to 50%. It is typically defined as the presence of endometrial tissue, which starts growing in locations outside the uterus and it mainly affects adolescent girls and women of reproductive age i.e. from the onset of menstruation to the menopause. Its symptoms are varied and can include chronic pelvic pain, painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), pain on defaecation, pain on intercourse (dyspareunia) and sub-fertility, but other symptoms such as fatigue have also been reported. Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis and the limited treatment options available, which predominately focus on pain control and fertility treatment, have varying degrees of success.
The aim of this research topic is to provide a forum for the sharing, exploration and discussion of the ways in which endometriosis impacts upon the quality of life of women, with a special focus on the global context of that experience, i.e. the different cultural, social and economic circumstances in which women are living.
Taking a global perspective to understanding the impact of endometriosis upon quality of life is, therefore, particularly important. This research topic welcomes a diversity of submissions, which seek to enhance our understanding and knowledge in this area from authors working in an international context, including but not exclusively: Original Research, Systematic and Narrative Reviews, Data Reports, Study Protocols, Community Case Studies, Case Reports, Theoretical perspectives and Opinions.
Suggested areas include:
• Lived experience of endometriosis and its impact upon quality of life as a result of diagnosis, symptoms, treatments and access to healthcare, social support, family and relationship dynamics.
• Cross cultural research perspectives
• Endometriosis and quality of life in low- and middle-income countries
• Education and self-management interventions
• Economic considerations e.g. work, schooling, and education
• Endometriosis experiences at different life stages (adolescences to post-menopause)
• Health inequalities, marginalised communities and endometriosis
• Healthcare professionals experience of caring for adolescent girls and women with endometriosis
The aim of this research topic is to provide a forum for the sharing, exploration and discussion of the ways in which endometriosis impacts upon the quality of life of women, with a special focus on the global context of that experience, i.e. the different cultural, social and economic circumstances in which women are living.
Taking a global perspective to understanding the impact of endometriosis upon quality of life is, therefore, particularly important. This research topic welcomes a diversity of submissions, which seek to enhance our understanding and knowledge in this area from authors working in an international context, including but not exclusively: Original Research, Systematic and Narrative Reviews, Data Reports, Study Protocols, Community Case Studies, Case Reports, Theoretical perspectives and Opinions.
Suggested areas include:
• Lived experience of endometriosis and its impact upon quality of life as a result of diagnosis, symptoms, treatments and access to healthcare, social support, family and relationship dynamics.
• Cross cultural research perspectives
• Endometriosis and quality of life in low- and middle-income countries
• Education and self-management interventions
• Economic considerations e.g. work, schooling, and education
• Endometriosis experiences at different life stages (adolescences to post-menopause)
• Health inequalities, marginalised communities and endometriosis
• Healthcare professionals experience of caring for adolescent girls and women with endometriosis
Keywords: Endometriosis, quality of life, lived experience, psycho-social perspectives, cultural perspectives
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
