Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to those lining the uterus grow in other parts of the body. King’s College Hospital is taking steps to bridge the gap in women’s healthcare.
Patches of endometriosis are generally found in the nearby areas, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. In some cases, these cells are found further away, including the bowel, bladder and even the chest.
It is known to take years to diagnose in the UK, highlighting deficits that are still present in women’s healthcare.
The condition causes symptoms when the endometriosis clusters break down and bleed, but cannot leave the body. These symptoms include severe period pain, heavy bleeding, pain during sex, extreme fatigue and back pain. It affects every aspect of a person’s life.
Despite one in ten women being affected, the causes remain unknown and there is currently no cure. However, treatment options such as painkillers or hormonal contraceptives can be used to manage pain. Surgery is also an option to remove areas of endometriosis.
King’s College Hospital has recently completed its first ever endometriosis ‘Hot Week’, ending on International Women’s Day. From 2 to 8 March 2026, teams of gynaecological surgeons and anaesthetists volunteered their time to operate on patients with complex endometriosis every day.
Multiple theatres were run simultaneously, including one dedicated to robotic procedures, which have been shown to reduce complications and speed up recovery rates.
Sharon Davidesko, a Complex Gynaecology Fellow at King’s College Hospital, said “Unfortunately, these are also the patients that wait the longest to be treated. During our Hot Week, specialists focused on these complex cases, providing patients who have been longest on our waiting lists with treatment as quickly as possible”.
This initiative highlights ongoing efforts to address delays in endometriosis treatment and improve care for those living with the condition.
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