Homepage: EndoCaRe Research Centre

An endometriosis research centre based at the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford.

EndoCaRe - Home

Why it's so important

Endometriosis causes severe pelvic pain and reduces fertility for around 190 million women worldwide.

The Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre is an internationally acclaimed centre of expertise in clinical care and research into Endometriosis. It is part of the Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health at the University of Oxford.

what we aim to achieve

The Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre’s research focuses on identifying disease causes and subtypes, optimal treatment approaches, non-surgical diagnostic methods, and personalised chronic pain management to improve the lives of those affected by endometriosis.

By deepening our understanding of the disease, we aim to support the development of novel drug therapies and non-invasive biomarker discovery programs.

Donate to support our research

Latest news in endometriosis research

From pain to policy: global reviews call for urgent action on endometriosis

Two landmark Reviews published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health reveal stark global inequities in how endometriosis is recognised, treated, and prioritised in national health systems.

Volunteer for our PrePOSE Study

This study aims to see if we can predict who will get benefit from endometriosis surgery by having a reduction in their pelvic pain.

Shared Genetic Link Between Endometriosis and Immune Conditions

Research reveals that women with endometriosis are at a significantly higher risk for developing a range of autoimmune, autoinflammatory, and mixed-pattern diseases.

Painful Endometriosis Can Affect the Whole Body, Not Only The Pelvis

Journalist Lydia Denworth explores how endometriosis can impact the entire body, featuring insights from Prof. Krina Zondervan on the broader effects of this often misunderstood condition.

About the Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre

The Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Oxford is a globally renowned centre of excellence dedicated to both clinical care and pioneering research in endometriosis. Situated within the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health at the University of Oxford, the centre serves as a hub for innovation and patient-centred solutions.

Our research aims to deepen the understanding of endometriosis by investigating its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Key goals include developing non-surgical diagnostic methods, identifying disease subtypes, and discovering non-hormonal, molecularly-informed treatments to improve patient care.

International Collaborations

The Endometriosis CaRe Centre is a key player in global efforts to standardise endometriosis research, including deep phenotyping tools, data collection instruments, and biobanking protocols, facilitating harmonised, high-quality research worldwide.

We co-founded the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF) Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project (EPHect), which has been adopted in over 60 centres across 24 countries. We also co-founded the International Endometriosis Genome Consortium, which has identified all known genetic variants associated with endometriosis risk.

Endometriosis CaRe Centre Clinic

The Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre Clinic provides care for individuals with symptoms of endometriosis. Our multidisciplinary team offers comprehensive, compassionate care informed by the latest research.

We collaborate with the Chronic Pelvic Pain Service to manage chronic pelvic pain in adolescent and adult women (and those born female), whether or not endometriosis is present.

Pain in women

The Pain in Women group, sits within the Endometriosis CaRe Centre, uses advanced experimental methods to study pain mechanisms in women.

By combining pain neuroscience with clinical management, we aim to optimise and personalise chronic pain treatment, particularly for endometriosis-related pain.

Laboratory research

We undertake broad reaching research to identify the cellular mechanisms behind endometriosis symptoms, aiming to find diagnostics and treatments. The team, led by Dr Jen Southcombe, are researching relevant cells within the immune system, the endometrium and the endometriosis lesions.

You can fight Endometriosis

Endometriosis.org provides an overview of the disease, highlights the challenges women face, and explores various approaches to managing and supporting those impacted by endometriosis.

Learn more about the symptoms, treatment and support for endometriosis by watching this short video from Endometriosis.org.

Watch here

About Endometriosis UK

As the UK's leading endometriosis charity, Endometriosis UK are committed to breaking down barriers to diagnosis, treatment and care, while championing the voices of everyone affected.

From providing vital support services and reliable information, to driving up healthcare standards across the UK, their community is at the heart of everything they do.

Endometriosis UK website

KEY PUBLICATIONS

Neuropeptide S Receptor 1 is a Novel Non-Hormonal Treatment Target in Endometriosis - Tapmeier T. et al, (2021), Science Translational Medicine (click for full text, click for reprint)

Endometriosis - Zondervan KT. et al, (2020), New England Journal of Medicine, 382, 1244 - 1256

The association between endometriosis and autoimmune diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Shigesi N. et al, (2019), Human Reproduction Update

Endometriosis - Zondervan KT. et al, (2018), Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 4

Meta-analysis identifies five novel loci associated with endometriosis highlighting key genes involved in hormone metabolism - Sapkota Y. et al, (2017), Nature Communications, 8

Latest publications

Severe menstrual pain is not normal: adolescent dysmenorrhoea as a marker of future chronic pain

Poli-Neto OB. et al, (2026), Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, 48

Coordinating Fertility Preservation in Children and Young Adults at Risk of Treatment-Induced Infertility: A Commentary.

Blyth U. et al, (2026), BJOG

Women with chronic pelvic pain can be stratified using multimodal assessment.

Demetriou L. et al, (2026), Pain, 167, 786 - 802

Leading the research

Krina Zondervan

Head of Department, Professor of Reproductive & Genomic Epidemiology, Co-Director Endometriosis CaRe Centre.

Christian M. Becker

Professor of Reproductive Sciences and Co-Director Endometriosis CaRe Centre.

Katy Vincent

Professor of Gynaecological Pain and Honorary Consultant Gynaecologist

Jen Southcombe

Researcher in Reproductive Science

Meet the EndoCaRe Team

Join Us in Creating Impact: How you can help

To help maximise the impact of the endometriosis research, we rely on the generous support of donors. Your contribution is vital in advancing this research and driving meaningful discoveries.

If you'd like to learn more about how you can make a difference, or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at endocare@wrh.ox.ac.uk.

For media enquiries, please email communications@wrh.ox.ac.uk.

Your support truly makes a difference, and we look forward to hearing from you.

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