Navigating Endometriosis Treatment Decisions in the Context of Future Pregnancy Planning

Abstract

Jalisa Karim was a finalist in the 2026 UBC Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Jalisa presented the research titled “Navigating Endometriosis Treatment Decisions in the Context of Future Pregnancy Planning.” Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. A common symptom is severe pelvic pain, and endometriosis is associated with higher risks of infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Jalisa interviewed 38 people to understand how endometriosis patients who are considering future pregnancy make decisions about their treatments. Results showed that participants made treatment decisions within individual, relational, structural, and societal systems. Changes can be made within each of these systems to provide endometriosis patients more information and agency in their treatment decisions, and improve their reproductive choice. Jalisa Karim is completing a PhD in Women+ and Children's Health Sciences in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology under the supervision of Dr. Gillian Hanley. #3MT is an academic competition that assists current graduate students with fostering effective presentation and communication skills. Participants have just three minutes to explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience. For more information or to participate in UBC’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) visit https://3mt.grad.ubc.ca.