Table 6 Codes and themes developed from all data on barriers to seeking healthcare with stigmatised pelvic symptoms
Code | Theme/ sub-theme | Overarching Theme |
|---|---|---|
Embarrassment about symptoms Embarrassment to talk to a [male] clinician Shame about symptoms Feeling symptoms are taboo Self-blame, self-disgust, self-stigma | Stigma | |
Unaware that treatments are available Not knowing where to seek help Low expectations of treatment benefit Hoping symptoms go away on their own | Women’s lack of knowledge about pelvic symptoms: - General | |
Thought symptoms were normal Thought symptoms were normal after childbirth Thought symptoms were normal for ageing | - Normalising | |
Prioritising other things Denial/ avoidance of symptoms Did not feel symptoms were a medical problem Did not feel symptoms were troublesome enough Inappropriate self-help/ coping | - Deprioritising | |
Fear of clinician, examination, investigation, medication, surgery Fear of discovering a serious disease | - Fear | |
Can’t afford cost of healthcare/ no insurance Women too busy to attend appointments Waiting time too long Language issues Transport issue to get to appointment | Inconvenience and cost of seeking help | |
Feeling clinician was not interested/ would not pay attention Feeling clinician did not take symptoms seriously Clinician did not ask about pelvic symptoms Perceived that clinician was embarrassed to ask Felt judged by clinician Women believe clinicians lack training/knowledge Clinician did not give information about diagnosis | Clinicians trivialising symptoms |