Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting a significant number of Australian women. According to data from Endometriosis Australia, approximately 1 in 7 (14%) Australian women and those assigned female at birth – that’s nearly 1 million Aussies – are living with the condition at some point in their lives.
The prevalence of endometriosis is comparable to other chronic conditions such as asthma, which affects 12.2% per cent of Australian women. Despite this, endometriosis remains significantly underdiagnosed, under researched, and undertreated compared to many other chronic conditions.
The impact of endometriosis in Australia
The financial strain of endometriosis in Australia is staggering, as revealed by recent studies and reports. In 2021-22, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) documented 40,500 endometriosis-related hospitalisations.
A 2019 Ernst & Young report1 estimated that endometriosis cost the Australian economy a whopping $9.7 billion in 2018, with $7.4 billion attributed to lost productivity. Drilling down to the individual level, a 2017 study by Armour et al.2 calculated the annual cost of endometriosis per person at $30,900. This figure breaks down to $25,800 in productivity costs, $1,100 in carer costs and $3,900 in health costs, (an average of $325 per month).
Notably, 84 per cent of the total costs stem from lost productivity, showing the far-reaching economic implications of endometriosis beyond direct healthcare expenses. These findings highlight the urgent need to address endometriosis as a public health priority in Australia. Implementing effective management strategies and support systems is crucial to alleviate the financial strain on individuals and the broader economy, while also improving the quality of life for those affected by this condition.
Endometriosis remains misunderstood and underreported
Despite these statistics, endometriosis remains underreported due to several factors:
- Diagnostic challenges: The gold standard for diagnosis is laparoscopic surgery, which many women may not undergo due to its invasive nature.
- Healthcare access: Limited access to specialist care, particularly in rural and remote areas, contributes to underdiagnosis.
- Symptoms being overlooked: Many women are led to believe that severe menstrual pain is normal, or their symptoms are brushed off by medical professionals, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Endometriosis doesn’t affect all populations equally
- Women in inner regional areas have the highest rate of endometriosis-related hospitalisations (490 per 100,000 females), compared to those in major cities (410 per 100,000) and remote areas (265 per 100,000).
- Women in higher socioeconomic areas have higher rates of endometriosis-related hospitalisations (450 per 100,000) compared to those in lower socioeconomic areas (335 per 100,000).
- Non-Indigenous women have higher rates of endometriosis-related hospitalisations (405 per 100,000) than Indigenous women (320 per 100,000).
Getting an endometriosis diagnosis in Australia
On average, it takes 6.5 years for an Australian woman to receive a diagnosis after first seeing a doctor about her symptoms. Alarmingly, for women born between 1989-1995, about 1 in 15 (6.6%) were diagnosed with endometriosis by age 25-29, suggesting a potential increase in early diagnosis rates.
Understanding and recognising the symptoms of endometriosis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. While symptoms can vary widely between individuals, there are several common signs that women should be aware of:
- Severe menstrual cramps that interfere with daily activities
- Chronic pelvic pain, including lower back and abdominal pain
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Painful bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
- Fatigue, especially around menstruation
- Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea
- Difficulty getting pregnant or infertility.
It’s important to note that the severity of symptoms doesn’t always correlate with the extent of the condition. Some women with severe endometriosis may experience minimal symptoms, while others with mild endometriosis may have debilitating pain.
Australia at the forefront of endometriosis research
Endometriosis affects a substantial portion of Australian women, with far-reaching impacts on health, economy, and quality of life. While progress has been made in recognition and research, continued efforts are needed to address underreporting, improve diagnosis times, and enhance treatment options. By raising awareness and supporting ongoing research initiatives, Australia can lead the way in tackling this hidden epidemic.
- QENDO Study3: Researchers at the University of Queensland are conducting the world’s largest genetic study on endometriosis, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment.
- National Action Plan4: The Australian government’s National Action Plan for Endometriosis, launched in 2018, allocated $9.5 million to improve awareness, education, and research.
- Endometriosis Centres5: The establishment of specialised endometriosis centres across Australia aims to improve access to expert care and reduce diagnosis times.
We believe in empowering women to prioritise their health and well-being. No one should feel the need to ‘tough it out’ when it comes to pain or discomfort. If you’re experiencing symptoms that interfere with your daily life, it’s important to reach out for help.
Sound like you? Help is here. We have doctors who care that you can tap into from the comfort of your home – no need to ditch the heat pack or pyjama pants. Your health deserves your time and care.
References
- Armour, M., Lawson, K., Wood, A., Smith, C. A., & Abbott, J. (2019). The cost of illness and economic burden of endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain in Australia: A national online survey. PLoS ONE, 14(10), e0223316. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223316
- EndoActive. (2019). The Cost of Endometriosis in Australia: EY-EndoActive Report. Retrieved from https://endoactive.org.au/wp-content/uploads/29May2019-FINAL-The-Cost-of-Endometriosis-in-Australia-EY-EndoActive-Report.pdf
- QENDO. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.qendo.org.au/
- Australian Government Department of Health. (2021). National Action Plan for Endometriosis. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-action-plan-for-endometriosis?language=en
- Australian Government Department of Health. (2021). Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics
