The Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory focuses on clinical and basic sciences research related to endometriosis, pelvic pain, sexual pain, infertility and ovarian cancer.  Our research aims to better understand the pain mechanisms of endometriosis, the association between endometriosis and quality of life as well as the association between endometriosis and infertility or ovarian cancer.

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive-age (~1 million women in Canada).  It is defined as tissue from inside the uterus growing elsewhere, typically in the pelvis.  Half of women with endometriosis experience sexual pain, specifically deep dyspareunia (pelvic pain with deep penetration).  Chronic pelvic pain (at least 6 months duration) affects 15% of women of reproductive age and close to 5% of all women, and can have a devastating impact on quality of life. Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain can be difficult to manage for several reasons, including 1) difficulties in completely resecting endometriosis; 2) side-effects of hormonal treatments; 3) recurrence even after treatment; 4) central sensitization; and 5) the presence of comorbidities.  Endometriosis can be very difficult to detect and treat.

Our laboratory does not provide clinical services.  If you would like a referral to see one of our physicians visit the BC Women’s Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis website.