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Table 2 An example of the process for creation of meaning units, codes, sub-categories and theme

From: Online reported women’s experiences of symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse after vaginal birth

Meaning unit

Code/condensed meaning unit

Sub-category

Category

Theme

“I had quite a big cystocele, it almost bulged outside … I had difficulty emptying my bladder, always needed to pee, and I got a urinary tract and kidney infection as a result. I had to insert my fingers into the vagina and push against it when doing a poo to help to evacuate my bowels.” (Participant 3).

Disturbance of urinary function and disturbed defecation restrict everyday life./

Difficulties in emptying bladder, always needed to pee got a urinary tract and kidney infection. I had to help to evacuate my bowels.

Being dysfunctional

Restricted life

Being irreparably damaged

“I don’t get any clear information from the doctors... They think I am young and they don’t want to cause bigger problems.......What do they mean by bigger problems??? Is an operation to the back wall so complicated?? Do you become so tight? And do most of them become so much worse after surgery at the front that they pee themselves?” (Participant 4).

Lack of proper information

contributes to

experience of being neglected by healthcare

I don’t get any clear information from the doctors...

Lack of information

Neglected by healthcare