Mayo Clinic — June 2026
Endometriosis and uterine fibroids are two of the most common gynaecological conditions, and medical advances are now broadening treatment options, supporting recovery and helping preserve fertility for many patients. Both conditions can lead to serious complications, affect fertility, and have symptoms related to the menstrual cycle. Fibroids grow in the uterus and are almost always non-cancerous; they may be too small to see with the naked eye or can grow as large as a grapefruit, causing heavy or painful periods, pelvic pain, frequent urination, constipation or pain during sex. “These are not just little inconveniences. These are very large, very significant masses and they can really impact quality of life,” says Megan Wasson, D.O., a gynaecologist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
In the past, women whose fibroids were problematic were commonly told a hysterectomy was the only treatment option. Now, medical advances are minimising the impact of fibroid removal surgery, often preserving the uterus and fertility. Options include uterine fibroid embolisation (blocking the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink), radiofrequency ablation (using energy to cause fibroids to die), and minimally invasive robotic or laparoscopic myomectomy. In endometriosis, tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain, cramping, heavy periods or infertility. Conservative surgery removes endometriosis tissue while aiming to preserve the uterus and ovaries. Dr. Wasson is also working with a Mayo research team to create a vaccine to prevent endometriosis, and exploring ways to make it easier to detect with medical imaging. She advises that from the time menstrual cycles start, women should pay attention to any irregularities: “Your period should be no more than a minor inconvenience. If you’re missing work, school and other activities, or staying in bed because you’re having your period, that’s not normal.”