A major new £2.4 million research project funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research will investigate whether a specialist pain management programme can significantly improve quality of life for women living with endometriosis.
The five-year UK-wide study, led by researchers at the University of Aberdeen, aims to address one of the most persistent challenges faced by women with the condition: chronic pelvic pain that continues despite surgery or medication.
Endometriosis affects around one in 10 women and is associated with a range of debilitating symptoms, including persistent pelvic pain, severe fatigue and reduced quality of life. The condition can affect employment, relationships and fertility, yet treatment options remain limited.
While surgery and hormonal therapies are commonly used, many women experience a return of symptoms. Research suggests pain can recur in up to half of patients within five years of surgery, highlighting the need for more sustainable treatment approaches.
The study will assess the effectiveness of a remotely delivered, endometriosis-specific Pain Management Programme for premenopausal women whose pain remains poorly controlled despite previous treatment.
Delivered over 12 weeks, the programme combines a range of interdisciplinary interventions, including:
- Psychotherapy informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Specialist physiotherapy
- Advice on relationships, intimacy and communication
- Guidance on self-compassion
- Support to optimise medication use and minimise side effects
Participants will be recruited through specialist services and will either receive the e-PMP alongside standard care or continue with standard care alone.
Researchers will measure both clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness, with findings expected to inform future NHS commissioning decisions and clinical guidance.
The research team believes the programme could offer an important new treatment pathway for women seeking alternatives to repeated surgical procedures or long-term hormonal therapies.
Dr Lucky Saraswat, Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and Consultant Gynaecologist, who is leading the study, said:
“Endometriosis is one of the most common yet under-researched causes of chronic pain. Many women continue to suffer even after surgery or medication.
“This study will help us understand whether a tailored, interdisciplinary pain management programme can offer meaningful, long-term improvements in quality of life.
“If effective, e-PMP could become a vital new treatment option, particularly for women who wish to avoid repeated surgery or hormonal therapies, or who are planning a pregnancy.”
Patient charity Endometriosis UK has welcomed the initiative, highlighting the need for greater investment in research and improved treatment options for those living with the disease.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, said:
“Symptoms of endometriosis including chronic pelvic pain can have a significant impact on someone’s physical and mental health, and research is vital to helping improve management and treatment options.
“We welcome this much-needed research and look forward to working with the University of Aberdeen team to see how an endometriosis-specific pain management programme could support those with the disease in the future.”
The project has been funded through the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme following a commissioned call focused on pain management interventions for endometriosis.
If successful, the programme could provide the NHS with an evidence-based, scalable and accessible approach to managing endometriosis-related pain, potentially reducing the need for repeat surgery and improving long-term outcomes for thousands of women across the UK.
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