Relational Patterns of Couples Living with Chronic Pelvic Pain from Endometriosis

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a disabling condition affecting 15 to 20% of U.S. women of reproductive age. Endometriosis, one of the most common causes of CPP, is associated with symptoms of pelvic pain, painful sexual intercourse, and infertility. In this qualitative study, the authors examined the relational impact of CPP from endometriosis on 13 couples through narrative interviews conducted individually and jointly. They describe five relational patterns that vary on degree of closeness, how care responsibilities are enacted, the degree to which couples are conjoined in their experiences, and how much their lives are overtaken with the disease. These patterns articulate couples' relational concerns as well as daily management of illness.