Endometriosis

The Sheffield Endometriosis Centre is accredited by the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) as a Specialist Endometriosis Centre for South Yorkshire.

Our multidisciplinary team provides expert assessment and treatment for women with all stages of endometriosis, from mild disease to the most complex forms involving the bowel, bladder and urinary tract. We are committed to providing compassionate, personalised care, using the latest evidence-based medical and surgical treatments to help improve quality of life. Our surgeons are highly experienced in advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, enabling many women to benefit from minimally invasive treatment with faster recovery times.

How do I get referred?

Most patients are referred by their GP after an initial assessment.

You may also be referred by another hospital consultant if specialist assessment or treatment is required.

Your GP or hospital doctor may arrange investigations before referral, such as: pelvic ultrasound scan, MRI scan and blood tests (where appropriate).

Some women may already have had previous investigations or surgery. Our specialist team will review any previous results and decide whether further investigations are required.

What happens at my first appointment?

Your first appointment may be conducted face-to-face or by telephone, depending on your individual circumstances.

Before your appointment, you may receive a Pelvic Pain Questionnaire. Completing this before your consultation helps us understand your symptoms and ensures we can make the best use of your appointment.

During your consultation we will discuss your symptoms and medical history, review previous investigations or treatments, measure your height, weight and BMI where appropriate, discuss how symptoms affect your daily life, perform a physical examination where appropriate and with your consent, and explain likely diagnoses and treatment options.

Your preferences, future fertility wishes and individual circumstances will always be considered when developing your management plan.

Questions we may ask

Pelvic pain
Painful periods
Pain during sexual intercourse
Bowel symptoms
Bladder symptoms
Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
Previous operations or diagnosis of endometriosis
Previous hormone treatments or medications
Fertility concerns or pregnancy plans
How symptoms affect work, education, relationships and everyday activities

Further investigations

Depending on your symptoms you may require pelvic ultrasound, pelvic MRI, blood tests or diagnostic laparoscopy. Not every patient requires further investigations.

Treatment options

Treatment is individualised and depends on your symptoms, extent of disease, previous treatments, age, fertility wishes and personal preferences.

Options may include pain relief medication, hormonal treatments, lifestyle and self-management advice, pelvic physiotherapy where appropriate, advanced laparoscopic surgery, and multidisciplinary care involving colorectal, urology, pain management and fertility specialists.