If you have painful periods, pelvic pain or symptoms that affect your daily life, you may have endometriosis. At Winterbourne Hospital in Dorchester, our experienced gynaecology consultants provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment plans tailored to your needs. We offer private consultations, investigations and surgical treatment in a comfortable, modern environment.
At Winterbourne Hospital in Dorchester, we provide expert private care for patients across Dorset, including diagnostic investigations, ongoing symptom management and minimally invasive surgical treatment.
*Source: Endometriosis UK
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This could be in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, bowel, vagina or rectum.
The endometriosis cells behave in the same way as those within the womb, so every month they grow during the menstrual cycle and are shed as a bleed.
Endometriosis tissue anywhere in the body will go through the same process of thickening and shedding. However, it has no way of leaving the body. This leads to pain, swelling and sometimes damage to the fallopian tubes or ovaries, resulting in fertility problems.
Endometriosis causes a variety of symptoms and people experience the condition very differently. Common endometriosis symptoms can include:
Because many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions, endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose and is often diagnosed later than it should be.
It is important to see a specialist if you think you might be suffering from endometriosis.
Our specialist consultants at the Winterbourne Hospital have extensive experience in assessing and treating a wide range of women's health conditions, including endometriosis.
Our Endometriosis experts include:
To book an initial consultation, call 01305 263 252 or book online directly on the consultant profiles.
Every person we see at The Winterbourne Hospital will have an initial consultation, where our consultants will get to know you and your symptoms.
Your consultant may recommend:
In some cases, a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) may be recommended if further investigation is needed or treatment is being considered.
There is no single treatment that is right for everyone. The most appropriate treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, general health, fertility plans and the extent of your endometriosis.
Following a thorough assessment, your consultant will discuss the available options and recommend a personalised treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Current non-surgical treatment options include the following:
Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can be used to help manage mild pain. If your pain is severe, your consultant may prescribe stronger painkillers to provide stronger relief.
Hormonal treatments may help reduce the growth and activity of endometriosis tissue and ease symptoms. These can include combined oral contraceptive pill (also known as ‘the pill’), contraceptive patch or contraceptive injections.
For some women, surgery may provide long-term symptom relief. Minimally invasive techniques can remove or destroy areas of endometriosis while preserving healthy tissue where possible.
Your consultant will explain all suitable treatment options and help you make an informed decision.
Laparoscopic, or keyhole, surgery is commonly used to diagnose and treat endometriosis. This approach uses small incisions and specialised instruments to access the affected area.
This diagnostic procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and is usually undertaken as a day case under general anaesthesia.
The tissue of mild or moderate endometriosis can sometimes be removed at the same time, which may prolong the procedure. If the consultant finds severe endometriosis, they may remove a small piece of the endometrial tissue for testing in a laboratory to confirm that it is endometriosis and not cancer.
Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is currently the only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis, allowing your consultant to identify and assess any endometriosis tissue directly.
In some cases, particularly when symptoms are severe and other treatments have not been effective, a hysterectomy may be considered.
This procedure involves removing the womb and may sometimes be performed alongside the removal of the ovaries, depending on the extent of the disease, your symptoms and your future plans.
A hysterectomy is not suitable for everyone, and your consultant will discuss the potential benefits, risks and alternatives before recommending treatment.
The cost of a private Endometriosis treatment at The Winterbourne Hospital varies depending on the type of treatment and whether any investigations or procedures are required.
As a guide, an initial consultation with a gynaecologist starts at around £200. If diagnostic tests are needed, such as an ultrasound or MRI scans, smear test, or biopsy, these are charged separately.
The hospital will always provide a full, written cost estimate before proceeding with any tests or treatments, ensuring complete transparency.
Should you require treatment such as a minor procedure or surgery, we offer fixed-price packages that include all hospital fees, consultant charges, and aftercare.
For more information, reach out to our Self-Pay team on 01305 756 629 or email [email protected]
Accessing private healthcare is easier than you might think, whether you choose to pay directly or use private medical insurance.
If you are paying for yourself, you can choose to pay in full or choose to spread the cost of your treatment - 0% finance options available (subject to eligibility - T&Cs apply).
If you have insurance, we can arrange direct settlement with your insurance provider, although you should check in advance to see if your treatment is covered. For more information, visit our private medical insurance page.
To book your initial appointment with a Consultant Gynaecologist, use our easy online booking system or call 01305 263 252 and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.
Reception: 01305 263252
Mon-Sun: 8am-6pm
40 spaces. Register your vehicle at reception
