Endometriosis care must abandon pregnancy as pain relief

Metro and Endometriosis UK highlight widespread medical advice that pregnancy eases endometriosis pain, despite no long term evidence.

Endometriosis care must abandon pregnancy as pain relief

A Metro investigation, carried out with Endometriosis UK, surveyed 1,073 women and found that 79% had been advised to become pregnant as a way to relieve pain from endometriosis. The condition affects about 1.5 million people in the UK, and medical experts say there is no evidence that pregnancy provides a long term cure.

The report also notes gaps in medical training on the condition. Doctors say endometriosis education is not mandatory for many frontline staff. Endometriosis UK is calling for mandatory training for GPs, gynaecologists and A&E teams. The NHS says NICE guidelines have been updated and resources expanded, but patients still report long waits, multiple visits and, in some cases, surgeries such as hysterectomy.

The story exposes a stubborn mismatch between patient need and medical practice. When pregnancy is pitched as a fix, patients may delay proper treatment and endure emotional strain. It also highlights a broader gap in ongoing education for clinicians who encounter endometriosis, from primary care to emergency departments.

Policy makers face a choice: invest in education and integrated care or accept a cycle of pain, infertility and unnecessary surgeries. The health system has funded some improvements, but real change will come only when care is guided by evidence and patient choice, not outdated assumptions.

Highlights

Clear guidance and evidence based care can replace outdated shortcuts.