11/03/2026
Recent stories in the media about potentially unnecessary surgeries being performed for endometriosis have been incredibly distressing to read. My heart goes out to the women who have shared their experiences.
For any women feeling unsettled by this coverage, or questioning care they may have received in the past, please remember that if something doesn’t feel right you are always entitled to seek a second, or even third opinion.
You should be able to access and understand your surgical photos and histopathology reports. It’s also important to know that ovaries are vital organs with many roles in long-term health, and before menopause they should only be removed for very specific indications such as pre-cancerous or cancerous changes.
Most importantly, your pain is real. It may or may not be caused by endometriosis. There are many different contributors to chronic pelvic pain. Surgery can play an important role in the right situation, helping to establish a diagnosis, remove lesions, or release adhesions. However, it may or may not improve pain overall, particularly if other contributors such as pelvic floor muscle spasm, bowel health and central sensitisation are not addressed at the same time.
Chronic pelvic pain is complex, but it is manageable with the right support. There are many dedicated clinicians: doctors, physiotherapists, pain specialists, dieticians and psychologists working hard every day to provide thoughtful, evidence-based care and help women navigate this challenging condition.
Women deserve to feel heard, respected and informed when making decisions about their health.
