Beyond Surgery: What To Know About Holistic Care for Endometriosis
Whether you’re newly diagnosed with endometriosis or have been navigating its waters for years, you may be aware that surgery is considered the gold standard for endometriosis treatment. Yes, the type of surgery performed makes a significant difference in outcomes. Excision surgery is the most complete surgical approach available, as it aims to remove the entirety of endometriosis tissue rather than just burning the surface tissue, as with ablation. It also offers more precision in more advanced cases that may include organ involvement and adhesions. Surgery has the potential to provide good long-term results, but it requires a highly skilled specialist, and access to these specialized surgeons is limited. For more information on surgery options visit endofound.org
Even for those who do undergo excision surgery, endometriosis is a whole-body condition that often requires ongoing care. Surgery alone often doesn’t completely address symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, digestive issues, or inflammation. So what happens when:
- Surgery isn’t an option due to cost, availability, or personal circumstances?
- Symptoms persist even after excision and additional support is needed?
Many people wonder if holistic care for endometriosis can fill the gaps in care here. While excision surgery can be life-changing, healing is not a one-size-fits-all — and it doesn’t have to be a choice between surgery or holistic care practices. Both can play a role in supporting well-being.
A Broader View of Treatment: Shifting the Conversation
Holistic health care for endometriosis is often met with skepticism — sometimes due to a lack of evidence-based research (which requires funding and resources), and sometimes because it’s assumed to replace conventional treatment. In reality, many women with endo find relief through holistic practices, whether that be improved pain management, hormone balancing, or nervous system regulation (and much more). Comprehensive endo care doesn’t have to be either-or —holistic practices can work alongside conventional treatment as legitimate and valuable tools for healing. Check out our post on holistic health practices you might consider here.
Endometriosis is a complex, multifaceted condition that affects the body in many ways. It only makes sense that a variety of approaches — from surgery and medication, to nutrition, bodywork, nervous system regulation, and beyond — can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Instead of an “either-or” mindset, what if we embraced an approach that allows for multiple paths to healing?
Let’s explore why a multi-layered approach to endometriosis care is essential and how holistic practices can offer meaningful support— whether you pursue surgery, manage symptoms in other ways, or find yourself somewhere in between.
The Reality of Accessing Excision Surgery
While excision surgery is considered the gold standard for removing endometriosis, it’s not always a realistic option for everyone. Here’s why:
- Limited Access to Specialized Surgeons: Excision surgery for endometriosis requires a highly specialized skill, and there simply aren’t enough surgeons with this experience. Many people can wait months or even years for an appointment.
- Financial Barriers:
- Many excision specialists are out-of-network, meaning insurance may not fully cover the costs.
- Even with coverage, co-pays, deductibles, and additional fees can make surgery unaffordable.
- Some people are forced to pay out of pocket, perhaps crowdfunding or taking on debt just to access care.
- Travel & Logistical Challenges: Since specialized surgeons are few and far between, many people must travel — sometimes across the country or even internationally — to get surgery. This adds:
- Flight and hotel costs
- Time off work
- Childcare or caregiving concerns
- Surgery Isn’t an Option for Everyone
- Some people have medical conditions that make surgery riskier.
- Others have surgical trauma or personal reasons for avoiding it.
- And some people just can’t afford it, no matter how much they want to.
So what happens when excision surgery isn’t an option? Does that mean that people are left with nothing? Absolutely not. This is where holistic health care comes in.
The Role of Holistic Care for Endometriosis in Your Healing Journey
Surgery can remove known endometriosis lesions, and by doing so relieve some symptoms, but it doesn’t always eliminate pain, nor address the contributing factors that promote endometriosis in the first place. This is where holistic healing practices shine, and can help manage the whole-body effects of endometriosis and improve overall well-being in innovative ways.
A variety of holistic approaches can support pain relief, nervous system regulation, gut health, inflammation reduction, hormone balance, and overall resilience — each offering a unique way to address overlapping symptoms. For example:
- Acupuncture and bodywork therapies can help regulate pain, improve circulation, and release muscle tension. Check out our in-depth post about acupuncture.
- Herbal medicine and nutrition can support hormone balance, digestion, and inflammation reduction. Learn more about herbal medicine for endo.
- Mind-body practices like meditation, breathwork, and somatic therapy can help calm the nervous system and reduce stress-related symptom flares. See our post about a healing mindset for endo.
- Functional and naturopathic medicine can help uncover contributing factors that may impact endometriosis and it’s symptoms, and offer personalized care based on the individual’s needs.
These are just some of the diverse holistic practices women with endo can benefit from. Rather than replacing conventional treatment, these modalities work alongside it, providing additional tools for symptom relief and long-term endometriosis management.
Why a Multi-Layered Approach for Endometriosis Care Benefits Everyone
The idea that excision surgery is the only option for endometriosis support leaves a huge gap in care. Women with endo deserve as many options as possible to help them feel better, whether they have access to surgery or not.
- Individualized Care Matters
- No single treatment works for everyone. Some people find immense relief with surgery; others need a mix of surgery, nutrition, bodywork, and mind-body approaches.
- Surgery Doesn’t Address Everything
- Even after excision, some people still struggle with pain, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances. Holistic care can enhance recovery and improve quality of life post-surgery.
- More Options = Greater Chance for Improved Quality of Life
- When people hear “surgery or nothing” they may feel hopeless if they can’t access a skilled surgeon. But knowing there are many ways to support healing can be incredibly empowering. Utilizing holistic care options is about broadening the conversation so that everyone, regardless of circumstances, has a path forward.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve a More Inclusive Approach
The idea that there is only one valid treatment option for endometriosis is thankfully beginning to change. Yes, excision surgery is a powerful tool and should be used when appropriate. But care goes beyond surgery, and many doctors are recognizing that holistic care for endometriosis can offer impactful support.
- For those who can’t access surgery – holistic approaches can provide meaningful relief.
- For those who do get surgery – holistic care can support healing and recovery.
- For everyone with endometriosis – comprehensive care should be an option, not a privilege.
If you’ve ever been told surgery is your only hope, but it’s not available to you, know that you still have choices. Your healing journey is yours to define.
Are you ready to explore holistic care for endometriosis but not sure where to start?
Finding the right practitioners and approaches can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to figure it out alone! We offer personalized health navigation to help you connect with holistic health services tailored to meet your goals and needs. Let’s create a plan that works for you. Clink on the tab below. We’d love to partner with you!
