New clinics for endometriosis, added support for women trying to conceive

The first Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics in Australia are getting closer thanks to the government’s commitment to women’s health.

The nation’s first Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics are one step closer, as part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting the management of endometriosis, pelvic pain and women’s reproductive health.

Endometriosis is a painful, incurable and often debilitating condition that affects 1 in 9 women in Australia. Sufferers can experience a range of symptoms that impact their daily lives, including severe pelvic pain. The GP-led clinics will offer more focused support for diagnosis and treatment from multidisciplinary care teams.

The $16.4 million investment will establish targeted Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain GP Clinics to improve women’s access to specialised and timely support in primary healthcare settings.

Throughout November, the Government, with the support of Primary Health Networks, will identify General Practices with strong experience in managing women’s health, endometriosis and pain management to become specialised clinics.

The Government has committed to funding at least one clinic in each state and territory, with a minimum of 16 clinics to be supported.

As part of broader measures to support women’s health and management of endometriosis, $25.5 million has been committed to add a new pelvic MRI scan to the Medicare Benefits Scheme. This is the first MRI scan listed on the MBS to investigate conditions that affect fertility. It will offer help and hope for more than 16,000 women a year who are having difficulty conceiving, and for women with severe endometriosis and other conditions that affect fertility.

The Albanese Government is committed to improving the diagnosis, management and support available for women with endometriosis and pelvic pain, and to supporting women trying to conceive.

Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney said, “From the agony of pelvic pain to difficulties conceiving, women with endometriosis can suffer greatly in their day-to-day lives and they deserve better access to specialised care.

“Sufferers of endometriosis often experience delays to diagnosis and struggle to have their pain taken seriously – and it’s just not good enough. Having specialised clinics is an important step towards improving care and pain management for these women.

“Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain clinics will be a crucial front door for women who need answers and support. It will gather expertise under one roof, with the referral pathways in place for women to get the support they need.

“It’s important that women have access to the right diagnostic tools to improve diagnosis and treatment. Having this new MRI scan more widely available is a great step forward in supporting women with reproductive health and fertility issues,” Kearney said.

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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