Background: Endometriosis is a common disease that affects approximately 10 % of people born with a uterus. The most common and noticeable symptom of endometriosis is pain. Symptoms usually occur in adolescence and can be lifelong, but often subside with menopause.

Aim: To describe how women with endometriosis experience health care encounters

Method: A literature-based study was used to obtain an enhanced understanding of the phenomenon. Nine qualitative articles and one mixed method article were analyzed.

Results: Two main themes were identified; The theme relinquishing power to external sources describes the vulnerability and objectification experienced by women during healthcare encounters. Conversely, trust can be established if the women feel acknowledged and validated. The theme being stigmatized describes how women experience stigmatization and a lack of credibility in their interactions with healthcare professionals, resulting in a sense of distrust.

Conclusion: In order to improve healthcare experience for women with endometriosis nurses must address the issues of vulnerability, objectification, stigmatization, and lack of credibility these women encounter. By applying the core competencies, the nurse enables the fulfillment of nursing needs for women with endometriosis.