ENDOMETRIOSIS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: CHALLENGES IN EARLY RECOGNITION AND NURSING CARE

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition associated with pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. Its recognition is often delayed due to the trivialization of menstrual pain and shortcomings within the healthcare system. This study aimed to describe the primary challenges related to the early recognition of endometriosis in Primary Health Care (PHC), as well as nursing care strategies that can help reduce diagnostic delays and improve the quality of care provided to women. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach, conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in the SciELO, LILACS, and PubMed databases, including publications in Portuguese, English, and Spanish from the period 2021–2026. A total of 73 records were identified; following the selection process, 22 publications were included in the review, 11 of which were original articles that formed the basis for the primary analytical synthesis. The results indicate that a lack of effective listening, limited professional training, the undervaluation of women’s health complaints, and inefficient referral pathways contribute to delays in recognizing the disease. Furthermore, health education, a welcoming approach, continuous follow-up, and timely referrals were identified as key strategies for improving care. It is concluded that strengthening the role of nursing within PHC can contribute to the early recognition of endometriosis and enhance the quality of care for women.