Reducing time to an endometriosis diagnosis

Key facts:

• Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those that line the uterus grow in other areas, outside the uterus.
• It affects one in nine Australian women (this number fails to account for transgender and gender diverse people).
• Common symptoms include period pain, pelvic pain and infertility.

A new webinar has brought together endometriosis experts, offering advice on how to manage symptoms, and when to seek help.

In Australia, it takes an average of 7 years of endometriosis symptoms for a person to receive a confirmed diagnosis. One of the goals of the Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre at Epworth is to reduce the time to a diagnosis.

Through a series of educational ‘Know Endo’ webinars, the Centre is empowering people to learn how to manage the symptoms of endometriosis and when to seek medical advice for treatment or diagnosis.

The webinar, Steps to an endometriosis diagnosis features a multidisciplinary panel who discuss the warning signs and how to get help when endometriosis may be the cause of painful or worrying symptoms.

Catch up on the full webinar and hear from:

• Dr Laura Chapman (General Practitioner)
• Dr Alison Bryant-Smith (Gynaecologist, Epworth Richmond)
• Nikki Campbell (Endometriosis Nurse Coordinator, Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre at Epworth).

Nikki Campbell, Endometriosis Nurse Coordinator, hopes this webinar series will build knowledge of endometriosis and help people get the care they need, promptly.

"I noticed very quickly, when I started running my clinic via telehealth, I was seeing patients from all over Victoria,” Nikki said.

“I've seen people as far away as Mildura, Wodonga, and Bairnsdale. I realised there was a real need for patients, from all areas, to access evidence-based information about endometriosis. I know it can be a real struggle to even see a GP in some areas, let alone an endometriosis specialist.”

“Ensuring people access the appropriate care, including adequate imaging and specialist gynaecologist assessment, helps to reduce the already significant delay to diagnosis,” she said.

What should prompt you to see a GP for pelvic health?

“The simple answer is pelvic pain,” said Dr Laura Chapman, GP.

“It’s pain that is not going away with simple pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen. It continues and it causes issues. It’s preventing you from doing things that you would normally be able to do and ultimately reduces your quality of life.

“There are many people who are currently experiencing pelvic pain. They have confusion over what might be happening and fear what’s happening with their bodies. This is not a good place to be, so this is the type of situation where you would have a chat to your general practitioner,” Dr Chapman said.

Contact our endometriosis nurse coordinator

Have a question about endometriosis services or specialists in Victoria? Epworth can help:

• Phone or text 0484 577 804
• Email [email protected]
• Complete the online web form.

The Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre at Epworth aims to deliver the best care for patients, while also improving current diagnosis and treatment options and working towards a cure for endometriosis. We can support you with referral to an Epworth specialist in Box Hill, East Melbourne, Richmond or Geelong.

Keep learning about endometriosis

• Get notified of upcoming webinars in the Know Endo series and sign up for our patient information newsletter.
• Order your free copy of the Epworth Endometriosis Patient Guide.