Gynecology › Endometriosis
Endometriosis care in Busan
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, causing inflammation, pain and sometimes difficulty getting pregnant. Many people wait years for a diagnosis. A general OB/GYN in Busan can start the assessment, and university and women's hospitals manage more complex cases and surgery.
Symptoms to take seriously
- Period pain that is severe, getting worse, or not helped by usual painkillers
- Pelvic pain between periods
- Deep pain during or after sex
- Pain with bowel movements or urination, especially during your period
- Fatigue, bloating, and difficulty getting pregnant
Symptoms vary a lot and do not always match how much endometriosis is present. Painful periods that disrupt work or school are a good reason to see a doctor.
How it is diagnosed
The doctor will take a detailed history and do a pelvic exam. A transvaginal ultrasound can show ovarian endometriomas (“chocolate cysts”) and sometimes deeper disease; MRI may be used for complex cases. A blood test called CA-125 is sometimes ordered but cannot confirm or rule out endometriosis on its own. Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) can confirm the diagnosis, but doctors increasingly start treatment based on symptoms and imaging without surgery.
Treatment options
- Pain relief: anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).
- Hormonal treatment: combined pills, progestins such as dienogest, the hormonal IUD, or GnRH-based medicines in some cases. These suppress the disease and pain but are not a cure, and symptoms often return when stopped.
- Surgery: laparoscopic removal of lesions or cysts, usually at a hospital, for severe pain, large endometriomas or fertility reasons.
- Fertility care: if you are trying to conceive, ask about a fertility assessment and AMH testing early.
Cost and insurance
Endometriosis is a recognized medical condition, so with Korea's National Health Insurance (NHI), consultations, diagnostic ultrasound, many hormonal medicines and medically needed surgery are partly covered. MRI and some newer treatments may have extra charges. Without NHI you pay the full fee, which can be significant for surgery; ask for a written estimate. See our cost guides .
Tips for foreigners
Keep a pain diary (when it hurts, how bad, what helps) and bring it with your ARC or passport and any previous scans or surgery reports. For surgery, larger hospitals with international clinics can make communication easier. Call ahead and read our international patients guide .
Related
Elsewhere in Korea
- Endometriosis care in Gangnam, Seoul
- Endometriosis treatment in Daegu
- Endometriosis excision surgery in Daegu
When to get help sooner
Go to an ER for sudden, severe pelvic pain, pain with fever or vomiting, fainting, or pain with a positive pregnancy test. These can signal a ruptured or twisted ovarian cyst or an ectopic pregnancy.
Hospitals in Busan for endometriosis care
University and women's hospitals handle more complex fibroid, adenomyosis and endometriosis care. We have not confirmed which facilities offer HIFU; ask when you call. Tap a name for the full listing; features are shown only where a public listing confirms them.
| Clinic | Area | Phone | Listed features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inje University Busan Paik Hospital | Gaegeum | 051-890-6114 | Female doctor, Delivers, Sat, English support, Fertility |
| Dong-Eui Medical Center (Dong-eui Hospital) | Yangjeong (Dong-eui Univ area) | 051-867-5101 | English support |
| Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital | Jwa-dong (Jangsan) | 051-797-0100 | Female doctor, Delivers, English support, Fertility |
| Pusan National University Hospital | Ami-dong | 051-240-7000 | Delivers, English support, Fertility |
| Dong-A University Hospital | Dongdaesin-dong | 051-240-2400 | Delivers |
| Kosin University Gospel Hospital | Amnam-dong | 051-990-6114 | Female doctor, Delivers |
| Mirae Women's Hospital | Gaegeum | 051-890-9999 | Sat, STD tests |
| Jeil Women's Hospital | Jwa-dong (Jangsan) | 051-743-7431 | Female doctor, Delivers, Sat, Fertility |
| Queens Park Women's Hospital | Jwa-dong (Jangsan) | 051-715-4100 | Delivers, Sat, STD tests |
| Joeunnal Edrama Women's Hospital | Allak-dong | 051-522-7575 | Female doctor, Delivers, Fertility |
| Great Birth Women's Hospital | Yeonsan-dong | 051-862-0010 | Female doctor, Delivers, Sat |
| Jamo Women's Hospital (Gwangan Jamo Hospital) | Gwangan-dong (Gwangalli) | 051-760-0600 | Female doctor, Delivers, Sat, IUD |
Endometriosis questions
Can an ultrasound show endometriosis?
Ultrasound can show endometriomas on the ovaries and, in experienced hands, some deeper disease. Small surface lesions often do not show up, so a normal scan does not rule endometriosis out.
Do I need surgery to be diagnosed?
Not always. Many doctors now start hormonal treatment based on symptoms and imaging. Laparoscopy is considered when the diagnosis is unclear, pain does not improve, or there are large cysts or fertility concerns.
Can I still get pregnant with endometriosis?
Many people with endometriosis conceive naturally, but it can reduce fertility. If you are trying, mention endometriosis to your doctor early and ask about testing ovarian reserve.
Should I go to a clinic or a university hospital?
A local OB/GYN clinic is a good first step for assessment and medicine. For suspected deep disease, large cysts or surgery, you will usually be referred to a university or women's hospital. A referral letter can affect NHI coinsurance at tertiary hospitals.