Endometriosis Support in Ontario

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Find care, disability supports, and local resources for people living with endometriosis in Ontario.

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Living with endometriosis in Ontario can be overwhelming. Access to diagnosis, specialist care, and ongoing support often depends on where you live and how you enter the healthcare system. This page is designed to help you understand common care pathways, available supports, and next steps if you’re feeling stuck.

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🏥 Hospital-Based Clinics & Programs

 

In Ontario, endometriosis care is typically provided through public, hospital-based gynecology and women’s health programs, particularly within larger academic and regional health centres.​

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Care may be available through:

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• Hospital gynecology clinics

• Women’s health programs

• Chronic pelvic pain or multidisciplinary pain clinics

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Examples of hospitals where gynecology or pelvic pain programs may exist include large academic centres in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, and other regional hubs. Availability, scope of services, and wait times vary by location and referral pathway.

These examples are provided for awareness only and do not represent endorsements or guarantees of access.

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For a broader overview of providers across Canada, visit the Endometriosis Canada Care Directory.

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👉 Explore the Canada Care Directory
https://www.endometriosiscanada.org/directory

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🧭 Referral Pathways in Ontario

 

In most cases, access to gynecology or endometriosis-related care in Ontario requires a referral.

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Common referral routes include:

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• A family physician or nurse practitioner

• A walk-in clinic (if you do not have a regular provider)

• Hospital-based referral programs or centralized intake systems (where available)​

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Some regions use centralized intake for gynecology referrals, while others rely on direct referrals to hospital clinics. Wait times and triage processes can vary significantly by region.

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Helpful tips when requesting a referral:

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• Clearly describe symptom severity and daily impact

• Ask that suspected endometriosis or chronic pelvic pain be documented

• Request referral to a gynecologist with experience in complex pelvic pain where possible

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If you are facing repeated delays or barriers, you are not alone — this is a common experience for many patients.  Advocating for yourself is very important.

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♿ Disability & Income Supports in Ontario

 

Some people with endometriosis may qualify for provincial disability or income supports, depending on how the condition affects daily functioning.

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Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

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ODSP provides financial assistance and health-related benefits to eligible Ontarians with disabilities.

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Eligibility is based on functional impact, not diagnosis alone. Medical documentation is typically required.

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✈️ Travel & Out-of-Province Care

 

Ontario may approve out-of-province medical care in limited circumstances when medically necessary services are not available locally.

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Key points to know:

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• Prior approval is usually required through OHIP

• Coverage decisions are made case by case

• Travel and accommodation costs may not be fully covered

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If you are considering care outside your region or province, it’s important to discuss this early with your healthcare provider and request guidance on approval processes.

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🧩 Local Supports & Community Resources

 

Community-based endometriosis support groups and programs vary across Ontario and are not always formally connected to the healthcare system.

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Local resources may include:

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• Peer support groups

• Community health organizations

• Pain management or wellness programs

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📩 If you run a verified support group or clinic-based program in Ontario, contact Endometriosis Canada to be considered for inclusion.

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🏫 Work & School Accommodations

 

In Ontario, you may be entitled to reasonable accommodations at work or school under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

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Examples of accommodations may include:

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• Flexible scheduling or remote options

• Modified workloads

• Medical leave or academic accommodations

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Accommodations are based on functional limitations, not on having a specific diagnosis alone.

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Referral Notes:

Referrals to gynecologists and endometriosis specialists require a primary care provider. Access to excision-trained surgeons varies by region.

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Travel Notes:

Ontario may cover out-of-province care in limited circumstances with prior approval through OHIP.

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Work/School:

Protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

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💛 Need Help Navigating Care?

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If you’re feeling overwhelmed, facing long wait times, or unsure where to turn next, you’re not alone.

Endometriosis Canada is here to help you navigate care, supports, and next steps.

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👉 Contact Endometriosis Canada
👉 Explore the Canada Care Directory