You are being invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it involves. Please take time to read the following information. Ask us if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Take time to decide if you want to take part or not.

The purpose of the study is to investigate experiences of heteronormative attitudes and advice from health professionals in LGBT women who have a clinical diagnosis of a pelvic pain condition. Heteronormativity is the view that heterosexuality is the ‘default’ sexuality. Due to the nature of pelvic pain, a heteronormative view may impact on the advice LGBT women receive from health professionals and this may impact on their wellbeing.

Participants should be over 18 and should have a clinical diagnosis of a pelvic pain condition. Participants should also identify as LGBT.

No. It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you do you will be given this information sheet and asked to sign a consent form. You are free to withdraw any time up to the interview, during the interview, and up to 7 days after the interview. After 7 days it is not possible to withdraw, as data will be anonymised and the audio recording will be deleted. A decision to withdraw will not affect your rights.

After giving consent, participants will take part in interviews about their experiences with healthcare professionals in the treatment of their pelvic pain. These interviews will be recorded, and anonymised quotes will be used in the research. The interview will take between 45 and 80 minutes. You will be asked about your experiences of diagnosis and treatment of pelvic pain.

Victoria Stanley, MSc Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health.

V.J.Stanley@2022.ljmu.ac.uk

Dr Kathryn Bould, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health.

K.J.Bould@ljmu.ac.uk