New UK Trial Hopes to Ease Endometriosis Pain for Millions of Women
Endometriosis is a painful condition affecting about one in ten women, causing severe discomfort, fatigue, and lasting effects on daily life. Despite surgery and medication being common treatments, many women continue to suffer because these options often don’t provide long-term relief.
Now, the University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian are leading a UK-wide study to try a different approach. They are testing a new 12-week personalised pain management programme designed specifically for endometriosis. This programme is delivered remotely, which means women can access it from home.
The programme combines several types of support. It includes psychological help based on cognitive behavioural therapy to tackle pain and its effects, specialist physiotherapy, advice on relationships and communication, and guidance to manage medications better. The goal is not to cure endometriosis but to help women live better with the pain.
Women whose pain has not been fully controlled by surgery or medication are invited to take part. They will either receive the new programme alongside their usual care or continue with standard care alone. This way, researchers can see if the new approach makes a real difference in quality of life.
Dr Lucky Saraswat, who is leading the study, says many women still suffer despite current treatments. She hopes this tailored programme can offer meaningful, lasting relief, especially for those wanting to avoid more surgery or hormonal treatments.
One woman, Charlotte McCann from Aberdeenshire, has lived with severe endometriosis pain since her teens. She had to leave her corporate finance career because of the pain and now looks forward to the trial with hope. Charlotte’s experience shows just how much impact this condition can have.
The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. It aims to provide better options for women living with endometriosis, a condition that often goes under-recognised despite its serious effects.