For years, Frances Mior lived with unrelenting pain caused by endometriosis. A referral to the Centre for Pelvic Pain + Endometriosis Clinic at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre changed everything.
Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 Canadians, yet many spend years searching for answers and relief. During Endometriosis Awareness Month and Women’s Health Research Month, we’re sharing stories like Frances’ to highlight the importance of specialized care, research and support for those living with this complex condition.
Since high school, Frances had been living in pain. Her periods would last for weeks — sharp, relentless pain that no over-the-counter medication could touch. For years, doctors dismissed her suffering as normal. But she knew it wasn’t.
When she was in university, Frances was finally referred to a gynecologist.
“The gynecologist suggested I might have endometriosis. An exploratory surgery confirmed the diagnosis, but it would take more years of navigating medication, side effects and emotional exhaustion before I was referred to Dr. Paul Yong at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre.”
That moment changed everything.
“Dr. Yong actually listened to my concerns,” Frances shared. “Together, we mapped out a plan — not just one but several approaches to manage the pain. It was the first time I felt real hope.”
Frances’ care was shaped by the unique model at BC Women’s Centre for Pelvic Pain + Endometriosis — the only dedicated pelvic pain centre in Canada, with patients travelling from across the province to access care.
At the centre, clinicians and researchers work in tandem to better understand pelvic pain and improve treatments for conditions like endometriosis. As a teaching site, the program is also helping educate the next generation of health-care providers in the latest approaches to care.
At the Centre for Pelvic Pain + Endometriosis, Frances received care that addressed not only the physical toll of endometriosis but also its emotional impact.
“Knowing that there is no cure is devastating,” admitted Frances. “But what has made it bearable was knowing I have a team supporting me. especially Dr. Yong. He is thoughtful, compassionate and deeply invested in improving the lives for people with endometriosis.”
With the support of the centre, Frances explored every option available — physical therapy, trigger point injections of lidocaine, nerve blocks, pain medications, vaginal suppositories, elimination diets and excision surgeries. Eventually, she underwent an oophorectomy to remove her left ovary.
“For the first time, the debilitating pain on my left side was a lot less.”
Then, unexpectedly, Frances became pregnant.
“I know this isn’t the case for everyone — but pregnancy gave my body a complete break from the monthly pain. It felt like a small miracle.”
In February 2025, Frances welcomed a baby girl.
“I have nothing but incredible things to say about BC Women’s and the programs they offer — the multidisciplinary approach of medical intervention, counselling, physiotherapy and knowledgeable information provided to patients is unlike any other hospital.”
Above all, Frances remains thankful for the care of Dr. Yong.
“Knowing that he really cares about his patients, their well-being and the work he is doing makes all the difference. It’s life-changing.”
Stories like Frances’ highlight why specialized care and continued research into endometriosis are so important. By investing in research, we can help drive advancements in women’s health and make an impact for women living with complex conditions like endometriosis.
This Women’s Health Research Month, we invite you to donate in support of women living with endometriosis and pelvic pain. Your generosity will help accelerate discoveries, expand access to specialized care and ensure women can look ahead to a pain-free future.