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BMC Women's Health
Published in: BMC Women's Health 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research article

Patients’ and physicians’ descriptions of occurrence and diagnosis of endometriosis: a qualitative study from Iran

Authors: Hedyeh Riazi, Najmeh Tehranian, Saeideh Ziaei, Easa Mohammadi, Ebrahim Hajizadeh, Ali Montazeri

Published in: BMC Women's Health | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

The prevalence of endometriosis is considerable but its diagnosis is a dilemma. The aim of this study was to explore the perception and experiences of endometriosis patients and physicians about occurrence and diagnosis of endometriosis.

Methods

A qualitative research using content analysis was used to obtain data from purposely selected endometriosis patients (12 participants) and gynecologists (6 participants) from January to September 2013 in Tehran. Data were coded and analyzed using a thematic approach.

Results

Seven themes emerged: 1) pain localization, 2) Severity of pain and struggle for pain relief, 3) Feeling inability to play the role of femininity, 4) Reducing physical health, 5) Disruption of social life, 6) Looking for a reliable diagnostic indicator, 7) Uncertainty of physical examination. The results highlighted that patients with the disease can experience different feelings that interfere with their wellbeing and their lives, and sometimes could be disabling.

Conclusion

Patients and physicians are looking for a certain, noninvasive and inexpensive diagnostic method. This study helps to promote clinical diagnostic view and knowledge development about description of endometriosis diagnosis to decrease diagnostic delay and mismanagement.
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Metadata
Title
Patients’ and physicians’ descriptions of occurrence and diagnosis of endometriosis: a qualitative study from Iran
Authors
Hedyeh Riazi
Najmeh Tehranian
Saeideh Ziaei
Easa Mohammadi
Ebrahim Hajizadeh
Ali Montazeri
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Women's Health / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6874-14-103

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