Missing Out: A qualitative study exploring adolescents’ and young women’s experiences of endometriosis

Randhawa, Amie and Tufte-Hewett, Angela and Jones, Georgina and Weckesser, Annalise (2026) Missing Out: A qualitative study exploring adolescents’ and young women’s experiences of endometriosis. Women's Reproductive Health. ISSN 2329-3713 (In Press)

Text Adolescents_and_young_women_s_experiences_of_endometriosis_-_Women_s_Reproductive_Health_-_Accepted_Version.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (342kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

The evidence base exploring the experience of adolescents/young women with endometriosis is limited. In this study, qualitative interviews were undertaken with 24 participants aged 18-24 with endometriosis. Analysis identified seven themes characterising their experiences: ambiguity at symptom onset, symptoms of concern, complexity of medical experiences, missing out on teenage life, the emotional burden, unmet support and information needs, and feeling uncertain about the future. Adolescents’ and young women’s experiences are significantly shaped by their age/life-stage, and are further contextualised by the gendered, contested, and stigmatised nature of endometriosis. Findings highlight the need for a shift in how endometriosis in young people is perceived and managed, ensuring their particular concerns are prioritised.

Item Type:	Article
Dates:	Date Event 29 June 2026 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	endometriosis, adolescent, qualitative, young adult, illness experience
Subjects:	CAH03 - biological and sport sciences > CAH03-01 - biosciences > CAH03-01-01 - biosciences (non-specific) CAH03 - biological and sport sciences > CAH03-01 - biosciences > CAH03-01-02 - biology (non-specific)
Divisions:	Life and Health Sciences > Life and Sports Sciences
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	17 Jul 2026 13:28
Last Modified:	17 Jul 2026 13:28
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17116

Actions (login required)

View Item