Study challenges NHS standard endometriosis treatment as ineffective for pain
New research questions whether surgery and hormonal medication improve quality of life for patients with chronic pelvic pain.
What to know
- A new study found that the NHS's standard dual approach—surgery combined with hormonal medication—does not improve quality of life for endometriosis patients with chronic pelvic pain.
- Patients report that while surgery provides temporary pain relief, the benefits are brief and recurring surgery is unsustainable.
- Endometriosis affects between 6–27% of women worldwide and is a major cause of chronic pelvic pain, yet current treatment options leave many patients struggling.
“The surgery is effective in that it can keep the pain at bay for a few more years. But I've never come out of it feeling better.”
Natalie Greenwood, Endometriosis patient · The Guardian ↗
Natalie Greenwood Endometriosis patientDr Jasmine Hearn Researcher, Manchester Metropolitan University
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Researcher acknowledges patients left struggling with current pain management
Dr Jasmine Hearn, a reader in health psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University who co-led the research, indicates patients face challenges with existing pain management strategies.
“Sadly patients are often left struggling due to current pain management str…”
— Dr Jasmine Hearn -
background
Patient describes surgery as temporary, unsustainable relief — Natalie Greenwood, a 36-year-old patient who has undergone three endometriosis surgeries, says surgery provides only brief pain relief and is not a long-term solution. She plans to avoid further surgery and pursue a hysterectomy instead.
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background
Study finds standard endometriosis treatment ineffective for quality of life — A new study shows that the NHS's dual approach of surgery and hormonal medication does not improve quality of life for female patients with chronic pelvic pain from endometriosis.