A Group Intervention for Women Suffering from Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a gynaecological disease in which cell tissue that lines inside of the uterine cavity (the endometrium) flourishes outside of the uterus. This leads to inflammation in the surrounding tissue and causes the main symptoms of endometriosis: chronic pain, digestive problems, fertility complications, and fatigue. This paper describes a group intervention for women suffering from endometriosis, which was conducted at a hospital Center for Endometriosis. Using a narrative therapy approach, we designed and implemented a group-work process focused on addressing the quality of life (QoL) and well-being of women with endometriosis. Intervention design: 23 patients from the Center for Endometriosis, Sheba Medical Center, were anonymously surveyed to ensure that the group work would address the needs of potential participants. The results of the survey indicated that the group intervention should focus on participants’ QoL and well-being, addressing low self-perception, feelings of loneliness and lack of control over their condition, and the effects of coping with chronic pain on their daily lives. In order to achieve these goals, a series of interim targets were set, for example, the creation of a sense of belonging among group members, participants’ awareness of unique outcomes in their narratives, identification of strengths and capabilities. Our group intervention protocol was based on a model for group work with women who have experienced sexual assault. The model was adapted and tailored to the experiences of women with endometriosis. Participants noted significantly reduced feelings of loneliness. They gained an enhanced ability to cope with the disease and identified strengths and skills that helped increase their sense of control over their condition. Consequently, they noticed a change in their self-perception and their perception of their condition. Based on the encouraging results, we recommend conducting similar group interventions for endometriosis patients as an additional tool for improving their quality of life and well-being.