Endometriosis patients and medical researchers are questioning the effectiveness of the standard treatment approach for chronic pelvic pain caused by the condition. Natalie Greenwood, a 36-year-old languages teacher in West Yorkshire, has undergone three surgical procedures since her diagnosis 13 years ago but reports that the relief from pain is temporary and the cycle of repeated interventions is unsustainable.
A new study examining 147 women aged 18 to 66 found that the conventional dual approach of surgery combined with hormonal medication, which represents standard NHS practice, does not improve patients’ quality of life. Research showed that surgery was associated with lower physical quality of life, while painkiller use was linked to poorer physical, psychological, and environmental quality of life outcomes. Conversely, women who received psychological support as part of their treatment reported significantly better quality of life measures.
Dr. Jasmine Hearn, a reader in health psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University who co-led the research, emphasized that psychological intervention should be offered to all patients suffering from pelvic pain. She noted that current pain management strategies often fail to sufficiently alleviate symptoms, leaving patients struggling. The research indicates that endometriosis, which affects between 6% and 27% of women worldwide and involves tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus, requires a more comprehensive approach.
Dr. Lucy Whitaker, a researcher with the Wellbeing of Women charity, noted that integrating psychological support alongside medical management reflects a more holistic treatment model. She pointed out that similar recommendations had been made previously, including by Westminster’s all-party parliamentary group on endometriosis and a confidential national inquiry into the condition. NHS England responded by stating that psychological professionals already provide specialist pain-management support as part of wider physical health services for chronic pelvic pain conditions.
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