Endometriosis is a chronic disease affecting approximately 1 in 7 women in Australia. It occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows in other parts of the body. This can cause a wide range of symptoms, including chronic pain, fatigue, heavy menstrual bleeding, bladder and/or bowel dysfunction and infertility. In some cases, patients experience no symptoms. The economic burden of endometriosis in Australia has been estimated at $9.7 billion annually.

Endometriosis is commonly referred to as an ‘invisible illness’ because the symptoms are mostly internal. Often, these symptoms overlap with other diseases, leading to the misdiagnosis of conditions like PCOS and IBS. Receiving a diagnosis currently takes around 6-8 years from the onset of your symptoms. Diagnostic imaging may suggest endometriosis, but currently a surgical procedure - generally a laparoscopy - is needed to obtain a definitive diagnosis.

There is currently no cure for endometriosis. However, the disease may be variably managed through personalised treatment of your symptoms. Many people require multidisciplinary surgery, medication and lifestyle adaptations. The key is to gather information and work closely with your doctors to make the best decisions for you.