Endometriosis Treatment in the UK

Laparoscopic surgery, commonly called keyhole surgery, is instrumental in diagnosing endometriosis and at the same time, an option to treat endometriosis. This procedure involves removing or destroying endometriotic tissue and restoring the pelvic anatomy.

The surgery is minimally invasive and is conducted under general anaesthetic. It allows many patients to return home the same day, but some might have to stay overnight. Although over 80% of women report a reduction in pain post-surgery, there remains a possibility of pain recurrence. Continuous treatment, such as hormone treatment, is often recommended post-surgery to mitigate this risk.

Laparotomy, though less commonly recommended, is a significant surgical option when laparoscopy is contraindicated. This major surgery involves a larger incision in the abdomen and a more extended recovery period.

This surgery is reserved for specific cases, ensuring that patients receive tailored care, based on the severity and complexity of endometriosis.

It involves surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. It is major surgery that cannot be reversed. This type of treatment will usually only be carried out as a last resort in severe endometriosis cases and where all other treatment options have been exhausted. A woman will no longer be able to have children following a hysterectomy, so future children will be a deciding factor when choosing whether it is right for you.

Our consultant might recommend surgery to remove your uterus and maybe the ovaries if:

• You’ve tried other treatments but continue to suffer from severe symptoms
• You don’t want to become pregnant in the future
• You want a permanent treatment

Endometriosis can sometimes make pregnancy a challenge.

If you’re finding it hard to conceive, there’s support and treatments available that can help pave the path to motherhood. These treatments are personalised, ensuring they align with your unique health and well-being.

In cases of mild to moderate endometriosis, removing endometriosis deposits and ovarian cysts through laparoscopic surgery can increase the chances of natural conception.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue resembling the lining inside the uterus grows in other parts of the body, such as the ovaries or bowel. It primarily affects women in their reproductive years, leading to pain that can intensify during their menstrual cycle. The pain may reduce during pregnancy or even vanish spontaneously.

Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose due to several factors. The symptoms vary greatly among women and can be similar to those of other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). A definitive diagnosis can only be made through surgery.

A detailed medical history and clinical examination will give us clues as to whether you have endometriosis. The gynaecologist will ask questions about your period, the location and severity of pain, whether sex causes discomfort and whether you have bowel problems.

Remember that endometriosis is a progressive condition that will continue to grow and may cause severe symptoms. For some patients, that means that initially, the pain was only occurring during the menstrual cycle. Over time, with the progression of the disease, the pain can start to occur outside of the cycle.

However, even though we know endometriosis is progressive, it doesn’t ever progress for some patients. And if it’s not impacting the quality of life, we don’t need to do anything.

Yes, you can have children if you have endometriosis. In cases of subfertility, various treatments of the disease can help. Assisted conception will be the ultimate choice. But if we look at all patients with endometriosis, the majority can achieve pregnancy without any problem.

Endometriosis is a chronic and complex condition. However, treatment options exist which can ease symptoms and manage the endometriosis pain. A combination of long-term treatments generally helps to improve the lives of people with endometriosis.

To discuss treatment for endometriosis symptoms in London, book a consultation today with our consultant gynaecologist, who specialises in endometriosis.