Everything We Know so Far About Australia’s National Endometriosis Action Plan

“Period pain is normal; you just have a low pain threshold.”
“Having a baby will fix Endometriosis.”
“A hysterectomy will cure you.”

We’ve heard it all, and we’re sick of it.

Those of us with Endometriosis know that none of the above statements are100 percent true. There is no cure, and diagnosis can take up to 12 years (if not longer)!

While the action is well overdue, everything is changing for EndoBabes in Australia.

The Australian Government has committed almost $5 million to the National Endometriosis Action Plan, which is described by the Australian Department of Health as “the first-ever blueprint seeking to improve the treatment, understanding, and awareness of an often misunderstood and crippling condition.”

Last December, Minister Greg Hunt launched the National Action Plan for Endometriosis in hopes of reducing the ridiculous amount of time women are being forced to wait for a correct diagnosis, creating awareness, and furthering education to professionals.

On July 25, Hunt met with women who have Endometriosis, as well as advocates, and medical professionals. Now, there’s a campaign in the works to raise further awareness.

“Many have suffered in silence for far too long, enduring diagnostic delays of between seven and 12 years on average and experiencing poor clinical care, due to a low level of understanding,” Hunt said in a statement. “This plan is extremely important. It addresses a historic gap and something that often causes debilitating pain and can lead to mental health complications, social and economic stress and infertility.”

According to Hunt, the Turnbull Government has announced an initial investment of $2.5 million through the landmark Medical Research Future Fund, to improve diagnosis and treatment options for better patient outcomes. A further $1 million is being directed to increase awareness of endometriosis among GPs and other frontline health professionals.

While we don’t have all the information just yet, we’re hopeful that conditions such as Adenomyosis (where endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall, instead of outside of it) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are also included in this plan. (Endometriosis affects one in 10 women! That’s 700,000 Australian women.)

Personally, I would like to see Minister Hunt help relieve some of the stress women with Endometriosis face in the workplace. What results would you like to see from this? Let us know in the comment section below!