Endometriosis
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb (endometrium) is present in other places - for example the ovaries, the lining of the pelvis, and the fallopian tubes. In rarer cases, it may be present outside the pelvis and abdomen. Endometrial tissue can also be present within the muscle layers of the womb; this is known as adenomyosis.
Endometriosis is a long-term condition that can impact women in different ways. Pain and heavy menstrual bleeding are common symptoms of endometriosis and adenomyosis. Endometriosis can affect women of any age, although it is less likely in women after menopause. While some women can continue to lead a normal life, for others, it can significantly impact their quality of life. It's important to note that a range of effective treatments are available to manage symptoms associated with endometriosis and other causes of pelvic pain.
Our Team:
Dr Cathy Burke
Dr Burke is Clinical Lead of the Cork Supra-Regional Endometriosis Centre. The Centre provides treatments for endometriosis according to evidence-based guidance and international best practice, including medical treatments and advanced surgical treatments for endometriosis. Dr Burke has led endometriosis care at Cork University Maternity Hospital for over 15 years, having completed fellowship training in endometriosis and complex benign gynaecological surgery in Perth, Australia. She has completed robotic surgical training with a view to multidisciplinary robotic surgery for women with deeply-infiltrating endometriosis.
Dr Burke is a member of the World Endometriosis Society, European Endometriosis League, British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy and the British and Irish Association of Robotic Gynaecological Surgeons. She has authored research papers on endometriosis and laparoscopic surgery in international journals, and maintains a strong interest in research and education regarding endometriosis and laparoscopic surgery.
Dr Aoife McSweeney
Dr. Aoife Mc Sweeney graduated in Medicine from University College Cork in 2009 and went on to complete specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology across several leading teaching hospitals in Ireland. In 2019, she undertook an international fellowship in minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery and endometriosis at Sydney Women’s Endosurgery Centre, Australia. She joined CUMH as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in 2024 and is a member of the multidisciplinary endometriosis team there.
Alongside her clinical work, Dr. Mc Sweeney has taught at University College Cork, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the University of New South Wales, where she also obtained an Associate Fellowship in Higher Education. She was also awarded a Masters in Leadership in Healthcare by UCC in 2020.
Dr. Mc Sweeney has a particular interest in the medical and surgical management of endometriosis and believes in a holistic approach to this complex condition. She is highly trained in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, performing procedures including hysterectomy, excision of endometriosis, ovarian cystectomy and myomectomy (removal of fibroids). Additionally she has trained in robotic surgery using the DaVinci robotic system and regularly performs robotic assisted surgeries.
She is a member of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI), the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists UK (MRCOG), European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE), European Endometriosis League (EEL), World Endometriosis Society (WES) and International Society for Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG). Dr. Mc Sweeney is passionate about furthering her knowledge and expertise through international collaboration.
Dr Bernard Kennedy, Endometriosis Fellow
Dr Frances Dawson, Senior Clinical Psychologist
Siobhan Hayes, Clinical Midwife Manager 3
Emma Ross, Clinical Nurse Manager 3
Danielle Brouder, Clinical Nurse Manager 3
Endometriosis Hub, Lee Road Clinic:
How can I access this service?
For women who already attend a gynaecology clinic and have a diagnosis of endometriosis, their consultant can refer them to our service using the usual pathway.
For women who have symptoms of, or suspected endometriosis and want these investigated, you should contact your GP. Management of suspected endometriosis may be initiated by the GP according to the National clinical guidelines on endometriosis. GPs may refer women in the usual way to our gynaecology service through HEALTHLINK, or by referral letter.
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