“Women with endometriosis don’t all show the same symptoms or encounter the same problems."

A new endometriosis clinic has been set up in Dublin's the Coombe Women and Infants Hospital. The new clinic will treat women who have already been diagnosed with the painful condition through a consultant-led multidisciplinary team including representatives from physiotherapy, dietetics and pain management. Endometriosis is a common yet misunderstood condition, with one in every 10 women in Ireland expected to be affected by it. The condition leads to long-term inflammation, causing tissue similar to that inside the uterus to grow outside of it. Endometriosis can leave patients in severe pain and can sometimes affect fertility. An official endometriosis diagnosis takes on average nine years and can only be achieved through laparoscopic surgery.

Professor Michael O’Connell, Master of the Coombe, said the new clinic will prioritise the health of women who have been diagnosed with the condition. 

"Endometriosis is a condition that affects a large number of women in Ireland and seriously impacts upon the quality of life of many," he said.

"Given that it takes on average nine years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis in Ireland, it is vital that women who have been diagnosed are prioritised and receive the treatment they need.

"The highly-experienced, multidisciplinary team offered by the clinic is best-placed to ensure that the needs of its patients are met in a timely manner.”

Dr Hugh D O'Connor, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Advanced Reproductive Endosurgeon and senior clinician of the new endometriosis clinic, aded: “Women with endometriosis don’t all show the same symptoms or encounter the same problems.

"The complexity of the condition, as well as the impact it can have upon so many different parts of daily life, means that a holistic approach to treatment is required.

"The multidisciplinary care that the clinic will provide will mean that patients can be provided with individualised care pathways, depending on their specific needs. We look forward to providing top-class, comprehensive care to women in Ireland with endometriosis.”

You can find out more about the new endometriosis clinic here.