Endometriosis specialist Perth
Expert Care, With CompassionDr Sean Copson is a Perth gynaecologist with advanced training in endometriosis surgery. Caring expert in excision surgery and severe endo management.
Endometriosis specialist Perth
Expert endometriosis advice from a leading gynaecologist
If you have suspected endometriosis, you’re not alone: This condition affects about 1 in 7 Australian women, including almost 50% of those with subfertility, and most women with chronic pelvic pain. Many have spent years searching for answers.
As a Perth endometriosis specialist, my goal is to offer expert, compassionate care where you feel heard and respected.
While the symptoms of endometriosis can be debilitating, the good news is that most women can get a very good outcome with the right diagnostic tools and treatment.
I provide personalised care that helps you get on with what matters – living your life.
What is endometriosis?
In endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. These growths can occur on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outside surface of the uterus, pelvic cavity lining, and ligaments around the uterus. Sometimes endometriosis can affect other areas, including the bowel, bladder, ureters, vagina and rectum.
Unlike normal endometrial tissue that leaves the body when you have a period, endometriosis tissue has no way to exit. This can cause inflammation, pain, scar tissue, and sometimes cysts known as endometriomas.
Endometriosis is classified into four stages, with stage 4 being the most severe. Importantly, the stage does not always reflect the severity of your symptoms.
"I see women with endometriosis of all different stages, particularly those with severe endometriosis."
Dr Sean Copson
Endometriosis excision specialist Perth
“Early diagnosis is key to managing pain and preserving fertility, so it’s worth seeking specialised care if you’re experiencing endometriosis signs and symptoms.”
Dr Sean Copson
Endometriosis Surgeon Perth
Endometriosis symptoms women often see me about
The symptoms of endometriosis vary widely from one person to another. As a WA endometriosis specialist, many women see me because they’re having difficulty falling pregnant or dealing with severe pain.
Some other common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Pelvic pain – particularly during your period
- Pain during or after sex – deep pelvic pain during intercourse is common
- Heavy or irregular periods – or bleeding between periods
- Bowel or bladder symptoms – including pain, urinary frequency, constipation or diarrhoea that is especially noticeable during your periods
- Fatigue – chronic pain and inflammation can affect your energy levels
What causes endometriosis?
There are a number of different causes for endometriosis: hormonal factors, inflammatory chemicals and genetics can all play a role.
The most significant risk factor for developing endometriosis is a family history of endometriosis, or a family history of pelvic pain/painful periods if endometriosis has not been previously diagnosed in family members.
How I go about diagnosing endometriosis
Making an endometriosis diagnosis can be challenging because its symptoms often overlap with other health issues, like ovarian cysts or irritable bowel syndrome.
When you see me, I’ll usually:
- Ask about your medical history – to find out about your symptoms, menstrual patterns, pain levels, and any previous treatments or investigations.
- Organise some imaging tests – an ultrasound, particularly a specialised transvaginal endometriosis scan, can detect endometriomas or deep infiltrating endometriosis, and sometimes even signs of less severe disease. However, endometriosis is not always visible on imaging. A normal ultrasound does not exclude endometriosis. MRI can be useful in some women with severe disease such as bowel or bladder involvement, and can also be used to plan endometriosis surgery.
- Laparoscopy – this is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of endometriosis. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that involves passing a camera into the pelvic cavity to look for endometriosis lesions. Often, endometriosis lesions can be excised (cut out) during the same procedure.
"Laparoscopy can not only help you get a diagnosis; in the right hands, it can be a comprehensive treatment tool."
Dr Sean Copson
Endometriosis Specialist Perth
Treatment
How do I treat endometriosis?
Every woman I see is different, so I take a personalised approach to help you get the best outcome. Depending on your symptoms, goals, and life stage, you might benefit from one or more of the following strategies.
Pain management
Over-the-counter pain medications such as anti-inflammatories can help some women manage endometriosis symptoms.
Lifestyle and allied health support
Some women benefit from working with pelvic health physiotherapists, psychologists, or dietitians experienced in managing chronic pain and hormonal conditions.
Hormonal therapies
Hormone-based treatments aim to slow the growth of endometriosis lesions and relieve pain. Options we might try include:
- Combined oral contraceptive pills
- Progestogen-only medications
- Hormonal IUDs
- GnRH agonists or antagonists (usually reserved for more severe cases).
“Hormonal therapies can be very effective, but are not suitable for everyone, especially if you’re trying to conceive.”
Dr Sean Copson
Endometriosis Excision Surgeon Perth
Surgical treatment
Many women I see have had limited success with medications or hormonal therapies.
During laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, an experienced gynaecologist like myself can remove or destroy endometriosis lesions and scar tissue.
Excision of endometriosis can have substantial benefits: about 80% of women experience a significant improvement in pain. Skilled excisional surgery can also help improve your chances of falling pregnant naturally, especially if it’s done in the early stages.
If you’re having trouble getting pregnant and think endometriosis may be the reason, it’s important to see a gynaecologist experienced in laparoscopic excisional surgery.
Endometriosis treatment Perth
Get expert care from a gynaecologist with advanced training in endometriosis management
Along with extensive training in obstetrics, gynaecology, and advanced laparoscopic surgery, I completed a two-year fellowship with the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery Society (AGES) at King Edward Memorial Hospital – the statewide referral centre for all severe cases of endometriosis.
I’m one of a select few Perth endometriosis specialists who have done this program, which is the highest level of training for complex endometriosis surgery in Australia. This means I’m qualified to manage all stages of endometriosis and you are more likely to have all of your endometriosis treated in one surgical procedure, with a lower chance of complications. I’m committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that considers your unique circumstances and helps you feel more in control of your health.
I focus on complete surgery, helping you achieve a successful outcome with only one procedure. By using high-quality ultrasound and MRI imaging, I can see how far the disease has spread and whether other organs are involved.
This allows me to prepare to excise the endometriosis during one surgical procedure, regardless of how advanced it is. I also work closely with urologists and bowel surgeons so we can manage everything in one go.
This reduces the need for multiple surgeries and helps you recover faster.
Don’t live with your symptoms any longer
Severe pelvic or period pain is not normal. And you can have endometriosis even if an ultrasound came back clear.
If you’re still looking for answers, ask your GP for a referral to a gynaecologist with advanced training in endometriosis who will listen to your concerns and help you find solutions that work.
How do I treat endometriosis?
Q. Does a normal ultrasound exclude endometriosis?
No. While ultrasound can be a useful test for detecting endometriosis, particularly endometriomas and deep infiltrating nodules, it may not identify all cases of the disease. If you have persistent pain despite using medication, and a normal ultrasound, you might consider laparoscopic surgery to investigate and treat possible endometriosis as a cause.
Q. Does endometriosis affect fertility?
It can. About one in three women who have endometriosis experience difficulties getting pregnant. You are more likely to have trouble getting pregnant if you have a higher stage of endometriosis.
Q. Is endometriosis hereditary?
Research suggests there is a genetic component to endometriosis. You are more likely to develop endometriosis if it’s in your family, especially if your mother or sister has it.
Q. Can endometriosis cause weight gain?
Endometriosis itself does not cause weight gain, but it can lead to symptoms that might feel like weight gain – such as bloating and fluid retention. Additionally, pain from endometriosis may limit your ability to be physically active, indirectly contributing to weight gain. Some endometriosis treatments can also affect your weight.
Q. Can endometriosis go away on its own?
Endometriosis does not go away on its own. While some people’s symptoms remain unchanged with time, the risk of leaving endometriosis untreated is that chronic, daily pain can develop, and this can be difficult to treat. It is therefore very important that you talk to your GP about seeing a gynaecologist who specialises in endometriosis treatment if you think you may have endometriosis.