About DEA

Our vision & mission

Women with endometriosis experience symptoms for an average of 7 to 10 years before receiving a diagnosis. They are referred to different specialists, and even when they do see a gynaecologist, endometriosis can still be difficult to diagnose.

Unfortunately, we have seen the profound impact of living with symptoms for so long without the right diagnosis—not only physically, but also because of the long and difficult journey so many of you have already been through. We are here for you: to reassure you that you are not imagining things, that it is not all in your head and, above all, that these symptoms should not simply be accepted as normal.

Being heard and seen is one of our highest priorities. Because we are not bound by a hospital’s standard appointment times, we can reserve a full hour for your first appointment, offer you a platform and, above all, take a holistic approach. We follow your progress, answer your questions and adjust your treatment plan along the way whenever needed.

People with endometriosis have been misunderstood for far too long. We know that, with the right guidance, women with endometriosis can have the same quality of life as their peers who do not live with this difficult chronic condition.

Endometriosis care MUST and CAN be better. That is our mission.

Illustratie van de menstruatiecyclus en de werking van pijnstilling bij endometriose.

About us

Maddy Smeets and Mink Verbaan have known each other for more than a decade, since Mink was a medical intern and later a resident at Bronovo Hospital. At the time, Maddy was setting up the first holistic endometriosis expertise centre in the Netherlands. During his training as a gynaecologist, Mink was always interested in benign gynaecology, fertility and improving the quality of care. In the final year of his training, he completed a placement with Maddy and further specialised in endometriosis.

Maddy had long been planning to open a diagnostic centre for people with endometriosis and found the ideal partner in Mink. In 2023, they decided it was time to improve care for this large group of women. Their aim is not only to help women receive a diagnosis sooner, but above all to give them a place where they feel heard after years of living with these symptoms.

They have since brought together a dedicated and specialised team.

The centre opened its doors in December 2024. If you recognise yourself in the self-test, the symptoms or the experiences we describe, we hope to welcome you soon. We are here for you.