Protean Symptoms and Reductive Diagnosis

Endometriosis is a common, but difficult to diagnose and manage, condition for women of reproductive age. Published studies have shown that healthcare providers and women comprehend endometriosis from different perspectives. To identify the notions behind the discrepancies between the descriptions of women with endometriosis and healthcare professionals, we explored the reported impacts and manifestations described for endometriosis. Two branches regarding the impact of endometriosis on women were categorized as follows: disability and isolation, as well as pain and intimacy. In contrast, the features of the symptoms were characterized as protean and diffusing symptoms that were simplified to obtain reductive diagnosis, and anchor versus relief. To promote healthcare for women with endometriosis, researchers must embrace a broader and more holistic approach to the investigation of emic knowledge of women with endometriosis.