- Office work by 2 weeks after routine excision.
- Fertility outcomes peak in the first 6 post-op months.
- Bowel surgery adds recovery time.
Week 1: rest and mobilisation
Expect shoulder-tip pain from residual CO₂ gas, bloating, and tenderness at port sites. Walk gently from day 1. Regular paracetamol and ibuprofen usually control pain within 4–5 days.
Weeks 2–4: returning to normal
Most women return to office work at 10–14 days after routine excision, longer after bowel resection. Driving when you can perform an emergency stop pain-free — usually 2 weeks. Sex from 4 weeks.
Week 6+: exercise and follow-up
Progressive return to gym and cardio from 6 weeks. First follow-up MRI, if planned, at 3 months. Fertility attempts often start in the 3–6 month post-operative window, which shows the best conception rates.
Frequently asked questions
When can I fly home after surgery?
Usually from day 3 for straightforward excision, day 5 after bowel work.
Will my periods change?
Many women report significant reduction in pain from the first post-operative period.
How long before I can conceive?
You can try immediately after the first period, and outcomes are best in the 6 months post-surgery.
Could a doctor-led plan help you?
A 30-minute video consultation with Dr Berra Önsoy — reviewing your symptoms and imaging and giving you a clear personalised plan for endometriosis surgery.
Request a video consultation