NURSING CARE IN FRONT OF THE IMPACTS ON THE HEALTH OF WOMEN DIAGNOSED WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS

Abstract

Endometriosis is a condition in which the human tissue that usually lines the uterus begins to grow outside of it, normally in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus's external surface or other pelvic organs. This condition may cause different symptoms and impacts on women's health. The main objective of this study is to describe women's experiences and holistic nursing care in relation to the health impacts of endometriosis. The methodology of this research consists in an integrative literature review. Searches were carried out in the online electronic databases Google Scholar and The Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo). Endometriosis might have several impacts on a woman's physical and emotional health and the symptoms of the disease can vary from woman to woman, and not all women will experience all the symptoms or complications. Nursing care is essential for an early diagnosis, appropriate symptom management and provide the support needed to improve the quality of life of those women who have endometriosis. It is possible to conclude that one of the biggest challenges in improving patients' health is the demand for continuous care and the lack of information and knowledge about the disease. Nursing also plays a fundamental role in the diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for women with endometriosis, using health education (soft technologies) to disseminate awareness providing a wider range of strategies to cope with the disease.