Self-compassion Could Help Endometriosis Sufferers

New research shows endometriosis sufferers in New Zealand
are likely to show some improvement in quality of life if
they practise self-compassion.

Te Whare Wānanga o
Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) doctoral candidate
Chelsea Skinner surveyed 603 people with endometriosis and
asked them about their experiences living with the chronic,
gynaecological condition. Endometriosis is a result of
tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus
(endometrium) being found in places outside the
uterus.

In New Zealand, endometriosis clinical
guidelines were only established in 2020. There had been
very little previous research, and limited or delayed access
to healthcare remains an issue, Skinner says.

“Our
health system is stretched, and we don’t have the support
that those with endo have in other countries. Endometriosis
New Zealand doesn’t have government funding, and knowledge
and understanding of the condition and its prevalence is
lacking. We’re working on current estimates that one in 10
women and those assigned female at birth likely have some
form of endometriosis in New Zealand, but it’s probably
higher than this,” she says.

Common endometriosis
symptoms include painful periods, chronic pelvic pain,
painful intercourse, abnormal bleeding, bowel and bladder
problems, fatigue and infertility. There is still
uncertainty about what causes the condition, and no cure.
Quoting the published article, “management focuses on
symptom relief with varying degrees of success.”

The
study participants’ quality of life was found to be
significantly impaired but those with higher levels of
self-compassion perceived their symptoms to be less severe,
which in turn related to less impairment in quality of
life.

Self-compassion is defined as being kind,
non-judgmental and understanding towards yourself in
difficult times, being in touch with difficult experiences
in a mindful and accepting manner and recognising that
you’re not alone in your experience, Skinner
says.

“A lot of people get really frustrated and
feel guilty about having to take time off work and study or
dealing with other effects of endo. We can’t really
control the symptoms, but we can control how we respond to
them.”

Skinner’s advice is to note down the
symptoms so people can be specific with their GP. Sometimes
it will be necessary to seek a second or third
opinion.

“Often people can get pushed around and not
feel validated that their symptoms or experiences are real.
You know yourself best, so it’s important to advocate for
yourself,” she says.

“There will be days when it
is harder to live with this condition, I know this through
my own lived experience, but there are people out there
willing to support you. Be kind to yourself.”

The
research, published by Skinner and her supervisor Associate
Professor Roeline Kuijer from UC’s School of
Psychology, Speech & Hearing, was published recently in
the international journal Psychology
& Health, coinciding with International
Endometriosis Awareness
Month.

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