IPA Analysis - Sheet1.pdf

Endometriosis is a chronic and progressive gynecological condition that causes the thickening of the endometrial tissue outside the uterine wall. It is marked by debilitating symptoms like chronic pelvic and abdominal pain, excessive menstrual bleeding, and pain during intercourse. The nature and course of the disorder are yet to be systematically defined in the medical sciences, causing ambiguity for the patients. Coping with these symptoms has been known to have an impact on a patient’s mental health. The academic research in the South Asian diaspora related to Indian experiences is nascent. This study aimed to explore how Indian women live with and make sense of endometriosis. Data was collected through online semi-structured interviews with four Indian women between the ages of 18-45 years. The data was analyzed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework and informed by a feminist lens. The study found two major themes (1) Painful menstruation in endometriosis, and (2) A feminist take on healthcare for endometriosis. The results aligned with the findings of previous Western literature, however, other sub-themes such as unsolicited advice-giving behaviors in medicine, and symptoms and interventions in the context of the system were understood within the Indian context and a feminist lens.