How to Use the Endometriosis Care Directory

Start with your symptoms, goals and the type of care you need. Finding care can feel overwhelming, especially if you are in pain, have been dismissed, or do not know which professional is most relevant. The Endometriosis Care Directory can help you explore different types of care, but it is not a replacement for medical advice. The directory is for research and information only. It is not a recommendation, referral service, ranking or medical advice. Always check details directly with the provider and speak with an appropriate healthcare professional before making decisions about your care.

Start with what you need help with

Before searching, think about the main reason you are looking for care. You may be looking for:

  • diagnostic review
  • specialist imaging
  • excision surgery discussion
  • pelvic physiotherapy
  • pain management
  • fertility support
  • bowel symptom assessment
  • bladder or urinary assessment
  • thoracic or diaphragm review
  • nerve-like pain support
  • post-surgery rehabilitation
  • emotional or psychosexual support
  • a second opinion

You do not need to know the exact answer. Start with your symptoms and what you need help understanding.

Match care to symptoms

Different symptoms may point towards different types of support. For example:

  • bowel pain, painful bowel movements, cyclical constipation or diarrhoea may need endometriosis review and sometimes colorectal input
  • bladder pain, urinary urgency, pain when weeing or blood in urine may need endometriosis review and sometimes urology input
  • chest pain, shoulder tip pain, pain breathing, shortness of breath or coughing blood may need urgent assessment and specialist review
  • burning, shooting, electric, numb or radiating pain may need pain, pelvic physiotherapy, neurology or specialist endometriosis input
  • painful sex, pelvic floor tightness or bladder and bowel symptoms may benefit from pelvic physiotherapy and medical review
  • fertility concerns, endometriomas or ovarian reserve questions may need fertility and endometriosis input together

The aim is to find care that fits your symptoms, not just the nearest name on a list.

Look at profile indicators

When reviewing a provider profile, look for information that matches your needs. Useful indicators may include:

  • relevant clinical area or professional role
  • experience with suspected, confirmed or complex endometriosis
  • whether multidisciplinary team input is available
  • whether they work with bowel, bladder, fertility, pain or pelvic floor symptoms
  • public, private or mixed access
  • referral route
  • location and travel practicalities
  • appointment type, such as in-person or online
  • whether they provide assessment, treatment, rehabilitation or advice
  • whether they work with other specialists

A profile can help you shortlist options, but it cannot confirm suitability on its own.

Check details directly

Directory information may change. Before booking or asking for referral, check directly with the provider or service about:

  • services offered
  • referral requirements
  • waiting times
  • costs and insurance, if relevant
  • whether they see people with your symptoms
  • whether they treat suspected or confirmed endometriosis
  • whether they work with complex disease
  • whether MDT input is available
  • what information to bring
  • what happens after the first appointment

This helps avoid wasted time, cost or disappointment.

Think about coordination

If more than one specialist is involved, ask who will coordinate your care. Good care should make it clear:

  • who is leading the plan
  • who reviews imaging
  • who explains treatment options
  • who manages pain while you wait
  • who communicates with other specialists
  • who you contact if symptoms change
  • what the next step is if the plan does not help

You should not have to join up complex care alone.

Questions to ask

You may want to ask:

  • What type of provider do I need?
  • Does this provider see people with my symptoms?
  • Do they work with suspected or confirmed endometriosis?
  • Do they work with complex disease?
  • Do they work with other specialists?
  • Is MDT input available?
  • What referral route is needed?
  • What should I bring to the appointment?
  • What are the costs, waiting times and follow-up options?
  • Who coordinates care if more than one specialist is involved?

Prepare before you speak with a healthcare professional

Use our Prepare for Appointment Tool to organise your symptoms, questions, previous treatments, surgery history, scan results and priorities before your appointment. Try to record your main symptoms, where they happen, whether they follow a cycle, what affects daily life, what treatments you have tried and what kind of care you are looking for. You do not need a perfect diary. A clear summary can help the conversation feel more focused.

Finding the right type of care

Use the Endometriosis Care Directory to explore different types of endometriosis-related care providers, including specialist endometriosis services, pelvic physiotherapists, pain specialists, fertility specialists, urologists, colorectal specialists, thoracic specialists and emotional support providers. The directory is there to help you research options and prepare better questions. It does not tell you which provider is right for you, and it does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Final reminder

Finding care is easier when you start with your symptoms, goals and the type of support you need. The Endometriosis Care Directory can help you explore options, but it is for research and information only. Always confirm details directly and speak with an appropriate healthcare professional before making care decisions. This resource is here to support your understanding, not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.