10 Questions to Ask When Choosing an Endometriosis Specialist

Finding the right surgeon for endometriosis can feel overwhelming. And at times, impossible.

Maybe you’ve bounced from doctor to doctor, been dismissed, or told that painful periods are “normal.”. Maybe you’ve tried all the hormonal treatment options that didn’t work—or worse, left you feeling WORSE or created more problems.

Here’s the truth: not all surgeons who are "endometriosis specials” are created equal. Many still rely on outdated methods like ablation (burning off endo lesions), which often leaves women back in pain, facing repeat surgeries within a few years time. Endo is a full-body disease that requires deep expertise. If you’re considering surgery, you deserve to feel confident that you’re in the best possible hands AND are working with someone who truly understands this disease.

That’s where asking the right questions come in. Here are 10 to ask any surgeon you’re considering for endometriosis care:

1. Do you perform excision or ablation?

This is the first and most important question. Excision (cutting the disease out at the root) is considered the gold standard of treatment. Ablation (burning the surface) often leaves disease behind, which can keep symptoms going or cause recurrence. If a surgeon only performs ablation, that’s a red flag. Like literally, RUN.

2. How often do you perform excision surgery?

Endometriosis surgery is complex. You want someone who has lots of experience, not a doctor who “occasionally” does excision or spends most of their time delivering babies. Ask how often they operate, how many endo cases they do each month or year, and how many years of experience they have in excision specifically.

3. Do you specialize in endometriosis—or is it just part of your practice?

Some surgeons treat endo here and there, while true specialists have made it a primary focus. A dedicated specialist is more likely to keep up with the latest research, advanced techniques, and whole-body understanding of the disease.

4. What organs do you treat if endo is found there?

Endometriosis doesn’t just affect the pelvic cavity. It can infiltrate the bowel, bladder, diaphragm, even the lungs. Ask whether the surgeon treats these areas themselves—or if they would refer you out.

5. Will you bring in other specialists if needed?

A strong surgical team often includes multiple experts: colorectal surgeons, general surgeons, urologists, and thoracic surgeons. Endo can be widespread, and you’ll want a plan in place if it’s found beyond the reproductive organs.

6. Do you also remove adhesions?

Endo lesions aren’t the only problem—adhesions (scar tissue that can arise from the disease itself and/or prior surgeries) can cause just as much pain, and sometimes more. Removing them during surgery can improve outcomes dramatically.

7. Do you take photos or video during surgery?

This may seem small, but it’s powerful. Having surgical photos or videos gives you proof, documentation, and clarity for your own medical records. It also helps with follow-up care and communicating with future providers. Also, how cool is it to actually SEE where the endo was? I’ve held onto photos from my previous surgeries.

8. What’s your recurrence rate?

While no surgery can guarantee endo, not even excision, will never return, true excision has far lower recurrence rates than ablation. Surgeons should be transparent about their numbers.

9. What does recovery usually look like for your patients?

Recovery experiences vary, but you deserve realistic expectations. Ask about typical pain levels, time off work, restrictions, and long-term symptom outcomes.

10. What’s your plan if no endo is found?

This is a huge fear for many women—that they’ll go through surgery only to be told “nothing was there.” A good surgeon should be able to explain how they handle this, what they look for, and what support options are available if endo isn’t visible. And it should involve more than just hormonal therapies alone.

Skilled surgeons for endometriosis excision can be hard to find, however, there are a few resources online that can help you find some in your area.

The Nancy’s Nook Facebook group is an Endometriosis Support group (just search it on FB) and inside, they have a list of “Nancy Nook Certified” Endometriosis specialists. I do find one con to this group: many surgeons get left off this list, even if they perform excision surgery a LOT because the owner of the group has very strict requirements. For example, there are a handful of surgeons in SC that provide this surgery, however, she has ZERO listed. Another website/resource to find excision surgeons is www.icarebetter.com . You can search for one based on your location!

Why Surgery is Just One Piece of the Puzzle with Endo.

Surgery is an important tool—but it’s not the whole story. Healing endometriosis symptoms also means addressing your gut health, minerals, hormones, nervous system, and daily habits. These pieces can make or break how well you recover after surgery and how much relief you feel long-term. It’s not uncommon for women to still have pain + symptoms after surgery, especially if they have not addressed any of the things above.

That’s where I come in. As a functional nutritionist and fellow endo babe, I help women prepare their bodies before surgery and help give them the best possible outcome post-op through sustainable nutrition. Because that stuff I just mentioned? Impacts your recovery period. While surgery can remove lesions, it doesn't dig deeper into the WHY behind your period pain, PMS, bloat, etc (because it's not always just the endo itself) That part requires a more full body approach, nourishment and personalized support.

If you’re navigating endometriosis and want someone who truly gets it—not someone who will just tell you to “do breathwork” or cut out every food under the sun…I’d be honored to guide you.

💌 DM me “ENDO” on IG if you’re ready for personalized, root-cause support alongside your medical care or book a consultation call below.