About endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful chronic condition that can be hard to diagnose. 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 and can affect all ages, including teenagers. It is often painful 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 $22.50 million has been committed for:
- Awareness and education – $5.77 million
- Clinical management and care – $661,946
- Research – $16.07 million.
Further information on funded activities are provided for in the Endometriosis Progress Report 2021 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
- National Health and Medical Research Council, which funds endometriosis research
See more chronic conditions resources.