EndoFound’s Webinar: ENDOMETRIOSIS & COVID-19

What to Do While Waiting for Endometriosis Surgery: Dr. Seckin’s Advice for Managing Symptoms

One of the most difficult experiences for women living with endometriosis is waiting.

Whether surgery has been postponed, you’re still searching for the right specialist, or you’re managing symptoms while preparing for treatment, the waiting period can feel overwhelming. Pain continues, uncertainty grows, and many patients wonder what they can do in the meantime.

During an educational webinar hosted by the Endometriosis Foundation of America, Dr. Tamer Seckin discussed practical ways patients can care for themselves while waiting for surgery and why maintaining both physical and emotional health remains an essential part of endometriosis treatment.

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Surgery Is Sometimes Delayed—But Your Care Shouldn’t Stop

There are many reasons surgery may need to be postponed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, elective procedures across the country were temporarily canceled to protect patients and preserve hospital resources. Although those circumstances were unique, many women today still face delays due to insurance approvals, scheduling, financial concerns, or limited access to experienced excision surgeons.

Dr. Seckin emphasizes that while surgery may have to wait, patients should never feel abandoned. Ongoing communication with an experienced endometriosis specialist can help monitor symptoms, answer questions, and determine whether urgent evaluation is needed. Telemedicine has become an important tool for providing continued support between office visits.

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Know When Symptoms Require Immediate Medical Attention

Most endometriosis symptoms can be managed safely at home while awaiting treatment. However, patients should seek emergency medical care if they experience symptoms such as:

• Severe, sudden abdominal pain
• Heavy uncontrolled bleeding
• High fever
• Persistent vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness

For all other concerns, contacting your physician first may help determine the safest next step.

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Focus on Reducing Inflammation

Although no diet can eliminate endometriosis, reducing inflammation may lessen symptom severity.

Many patients benefit from:

• Eating whole, minimally processed foods
• Staying well hydrated
• Limiting refined sugar
• Reducing processed foods
• Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits
• Maintaining regular meals

Every patient is different, and keeping a symptom diary may help identify personal food triggers.

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Gentle Movement Can Help

During severe pain, strenuous exercise is often unrealistic.

Instead, Dr. Seckin encourages patients to focus on gentle movement such as:

Walking

Even short daily walks can improve circulation and reduce stiffness.

Stretching

Gentle stretching may help relieve pelvic muscle tension.

Yoga

Restorative yoga and breathing exercises can reduce muscle guarding and promote relaxation.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

For women with chronic pelvic pain or painful intercourse, working with a pelvic floor physical therapist may improve muscle relaxation before and after surgery.

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Prioritize Rest and Recovery

One message repeated throughout the webinar was simple:

Allow your body to heal.

Patients living with chronic pain often push themselves beyond their limits because they feel obligated to continue working, caring for family, or maintaining normal routines.

Whenever possible:

• Get adequate sleep
• Pace daily activities
• Take breaks when needed
• Listen to your body’s signals

Healing begins long before surgery.

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Managing Stress Is Part of Treatment

Living with chronic pain affects far more than the pelvis.

Anxiety, depression, frustration, and feelings of isolation are common among women living with endometriosis.

Dr. Seckin encourages patients to actively support their emotional health by:

• Connecting with family and friends
• Joining endometriosis support groups
• Speaking with a therapist
• Practicing mindfulness or meditation
• Limiting unnecessary stress whenever possible

Mental well-being plays an important role in managing chronic inflammatory conditions.

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Build a Relationship With Your Body

One particularly meaningful message shared during the webinar came from a patient recovering from both endometriosis surgery and COVID-19.

Rather than feeling angry at her body, she learned to work with it.

For many women living with endometriosis, years of pain can create the feeling that the body has become an enemy. Learning to practice self-compassion, patience, and trust can become an important part of recovery.

Healing is not only physical—it is emotional as well.

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Continue Learning About Endometriosis

Knowledge empowers patients to make informed decisions.

Understanding:

• Your symptoms
• Treatment options
• Surgical techniques
• Fertility preservation
• Pain management strategies

can help you become an active participant in your own care.

Finding an experienced excision surgeon and asking questions are important steps toward long-term symptom relief.

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You’re Not Alone

Perhaps the most important message Dr. Seckin shared was one of reassurance.

Many women waiting for treatment feel discouraged, especially after years of delayed diagnosis or unsuccessful therapies. While waiting can be frustrating, it does not mean you have stopped moving forward.

Continue caring for your body, communicate openly with your healthcare team, and remember that every step you take toward understanding your condition brings you closer to effective treatment.

Endometriosis is a complex disease—but with the right support, education, and specialized care, there is hope for a healthier future.