About endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that can be hard to diagnose and painful. Endometriosis occurs when some of the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (womb), called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus.
Some symptoms of endometriosis can include:
- abdominal pain
- heavy periods
- bleeding from the bladder or bowel
- feeling bloated
- tiredness
- anxiety or depression related to the pain
- infertility
Endometriosis is a progressive, chronic condition that can start at puberty and continue through to old age. It can be painful and debilitating but there are effective treatments that may relieve the symptoms of endometriosis. For more information on tips to self-manage the symptoms of endometriosis, visit Endozone, developed through funding contributions from the government.
For more information about endometriosis see healthdirect.
What we are doing about endometriosis
We are addressing endometriosis at a national level via our National Action Plan for Endometriosis.
Since the release of the National Action Plan for Endometriosis in July 2018 $87.19 million has been committed for:
- research – $28.97 million
- awareness and education – $8.57 million
- clinical management and care – $49.65 million, including $16.4 million for 20 endometriosis and pelvic pain GP clinics across Australia, providing multidisciplinary services and care for women with endometriosis and pelvic pain.
Learn more about these clinics.
Further information on funded activities are provided for in the Endometriosis Progress Report 2023 update.
Other programs and initiatives that support endometriosis treatment include the:
- Medicare Benefits Schedule, which helps pay for patient care
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which helps pay for medicines
- Medical Research Future Fund and National Health and Medical Research Council, which fund endometriosis research.
See more chronic conditions resources.