Thematic structure
| Inductive codes | Preliminary/subthemes | Final themes |
| Not understanding procedures or prescriptions | Dismiss symptoms | Negative experiences with healthcare provider |
| Never formally diagnosed | Relationships | |
| Variability in doctor treatment | Communication | |
| Prescribing painkillers | ||
| Comfort with female doctors | ||
| Seeing family/usual GP | ||
| Seeing different GPs | ||
| Trust in care | ||
| Knowledge of causes of AUB | Normal menstruation | Gynaecological health literacy |
| Knowledge of treatments available | Knowledge of treatments | |
| Knowledge that AUB is something to be checked—ignoring/normalising symptoms | ||
| What is normal bleeding? | ||
| Unable to relate to friends experiences | Self-doubt | AUB as a legitimate health concern |
| Doubting symptoms | Normalisation | |
| Lived with AUB throughout life, dealt with it | Prioritising others | |
| Expectations of hospital visit | ||
| Looking after family/children | ||
| Work deadlines | ||
| Ability to take time off work | ||
| Ability to make it to appointments | ||
| Emotion (heightened) | Fear | Taboo |
| Scared of pain (IUD) | Impact on life | |
| Scared of doctors | Embarrassment | |
| Impact on quality of life | ||
| Embarrassed about bleeding through clothes | ||
| Embarrassed about talking about bleeding (friends or colleagues) | ||
| Relationships with partners | ||
| Isolation |
AUB, abnormal uterine bleeding; GP, general practitioner; IUD, intrauterine device.