Questions to Ask Before Endometriosis Surgery

Before surgery, you should understand what is planned, why it is being offered and what recovery may involve. You do not need medical words to ask good questions.

Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring this list to your appointment and ask for a written plan.

1. Why are you recommending surgery?

• What do you hope surgery will help in my case?

• Which symptoms may improve, and which may continue?

• What other options do I have, and what could happen if I wait?

Surgery can help some people, but it cannot guarantee that all pain will go away. Endometriosis currently has no cure.

2. What will you do during the operation?

• What operation are you recommending?

• How will you treat the endometriosis tissue?

• Could the operation involve my ovaries, uterus, bowel or bladder?

• If you find something unexpected, what have I agreed to and what would need another discussion?

Excision means cutting out tissue. Ablation means destroying tissue, often with heat. Ask why the proposed method is right for your case.

Consent means agreeing to a procedure after discussing it. Ask for a clear explanation of what you are agreeing to before surgery.

3. Who will be involved?

• How much experience do you have with cases like mine?

• Would another specialist be needed if my bowel or bladder is involved?

• Who can I contact with questions before and after surgery?

4. Could this affect future pregnancy or hormones?

• Could surgery affect my ovaries or the number of eggs they contain?

• If you are treating a cyst on an ovary, how will you protect healthy tissue?

• Should I speak to a fertility specialist before surgery?

Surgery for an endometriosis cyst on an ovary can affect that ovary. Discuss your pregnancy plans, even if you are unsure about them.

If removing the uterus or ovaries is proposed, ask why and what alternatives are available.

A hysterectomy removes the uterus, so you cannot carry a pregnancy afterwards. Removing both ovaries before natural menopause causes menopause. These are separate procedures, and hysterectomy does not guarantee relief from endometriosis.

5. What are the risks and recovery needs?

• What are the main risks of my planned operation?

• What is the plan for pain relief?

• How much help will I need at home?

• When can I return to work, school, driving, exercise and other activities?

Recovery varies with the operation and the person. Ask for advice that fits your procedure.

6. How should I prepare?

• Do I need more tests or another appointment before surgery?

• What instructions apply to my medicines, food and drink?

• Who should take me home?

• Which symptoms after surgery need urgent help, and who should I call?

Follow your surgical team’s instructions. Do not stop prescribed medicines or start bowel preparation unless they tell you to.

7. What happens after surgery?

• When will we discuss what you found and any tissue test results?

• Can I get copies of the surgery and test reports?

• What treatment or support might I need afterwards?

• If pain continues or returns, who will help me plan the next step?

For teens and parents

Teens: your questions matter. You can say, “Please explain that again.” Ask how consent and private conversations will be handled.

Parents: help take notes and arrange support at home. Give your teen time to ask their own questions.

Start with three questions

If the list feels long, start here: Why surgery? What will you do? What should I expect afterwards?

Use our appointment preparation guide

Sources and further reading

General educational information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment recommendation. Discuss your options with your healthcare team. Clinic requirements and coverage rules can change.

ESHRE: information for people with endometriosis (2022 patient guideline)

World Health Organization: endometriosis