New £2.3m Scottish trial gives hope to millions of endometriosis sufferers whose pain cannot be controlled by surgery

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026.

Charlotte McCann, 27, from Huntly in Aberdeenshire, spent years vomiting through the night and unable to sit upright before an MRI finally confirmed she has stage four endometriosis affecting her bladder — forcing her to abandon her career in corporate finance. The University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian will now trial a remotely delivered, endometriosis-specific Pain Management Programme funded by £2.3 million, targeting women whose pain resists both surgery and medication. The project is the first of its kind to test whether a personalised e-PMP can meaningfully improve quality of life for women with the condition.

Endometriosis affects one in ten women, causing persistent pelvic pain and chronic fatigue that can disrupt every aspect of daily life.

McCann, currently on a waiting list for specialist care, has lost more than 40lbs in months because the pain leaves her too sick to eat.

She said: 'There's no way I could continue my 9 to 5 job when I could barely sit up.'