The government has recently announced funding in the amount of $2.5 million as part of a national plan to fund research into endometriosis and to promote awareness of the condition. A draft report has been released by the Department of Health, and Minister for Health, Greg Hunt MP, notes ‘I am determined to do more to support endometriosis sufferers around Australia and I encourage people to have their say and make sure we have the best possible National Endometriosis Action Plan going forward. ‘

Endometriosis is a disease that affects 1 in 10 women and involves the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Symptoms include painful periods, pain during sex, pelvic pain, bowel symptoms, bladder pain, reduced fertility, nausea and lethargy. There is currently no cure for endometriosis however medication and surgery can effectively treat the condition.

On average, it takes 7.5 years from the onset of pain to the correct diagnosis of the disease. Symptoms are often dismissed by practitioners as period pain. Studies have shown that women’s pain if often perceived differently to men’s pain and that women often must convince doctors of how sick they are, before being treated with the same urgency as men. Arguably, this societal issue has impacted many women through the delayed diagnosis of endometriosis.

Delayed diagnosis of endometriosis can lead to unnecessary and avoidable internal scarring, adhesions, pelvic cysts, bowel and ureter obstruction and infertility. We hope that the government funding will provide a better understanding of the disease and help women to avoid unnecessary suffering through more timely diagnosis.  The Department of Health invites feedback regarding the draft plan which you can contribute to by accessing the Department of Health’s Consultation Hub.

Our team can assist you by providing expert advice and legal support regarding your options. Contact us today on (02) 4929 3995 or info@catherinehenrylawyers.com.au or visit www.catherinehenrylawyers.com.au.