Addressing Cultural Stigma: Endometriosis Diagnosis in the Arab World

Abstract

Endometriosis, a challenging chronic disease, has often been shrouded in delayed diagnosis. Efforts to enhance the quality of life for affected women by facilitating earlier diagnoses is crucial. Early diagnosis in the teenage years can impact not only the individual but also her family. In conservative cultures such as those found in the Arab world, including the Arab Peninsula, North Africa, and East Asia, reproductive capacity stands as a defining feature in a woman’s life. Endometriosis, viewed as both a stigma and a threat to reproductive capabilities, can significantly influence a girl’s marriage prospects, especially as within these cultural contexts, marriage is perceived as a protective shield, guarding against potential future hardships. The stigma associated with endometriosis intensifies the anxieties of both the affected girl and her parents about the future. This policy commentary dives into the intricacies of reproductive stigma, offering thoughtful suggestions to systematically address it on both policy and societal levels. The proposed interventions involve active engagement with adolescent girls, their families, partners, schools, healthcare institutions, specialized professionals, workplaces, and the broader communities. Comprehensively addressing these aspects can foster a supportive environment that empowers individuals to navigate the challenges posed by endometriosis in conservative cultures.