Michelle Ananda-Rajah (Higgins, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects one in nine women. Because it can implant anywhere in the abdomen and pelvis, causing scarring and bleeding, the symptoms are diverse, ranging from pain, diarrhoea or constipation and painful sex to heavy periods, bleeding from the bladder or bowel, and tummy bloating. The important thing is to keep a diary of symptoms; it will help with diagnosis.

Diagnosis is universally late, taking on average seven years, by which time women and girls have suffered from chronic, sometimes crippling pain, mental health problems, career or relationship disruption and the devastating impacts of infertility. Given these unacceptable sequalae, the Albanese government has committed to the establishment of 22 dedicated endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics around Australia.

Endometriosis is the poster child of how women are treated in the health system. Gender bias in health is real, confirmed by a survey of 3,000 women, showing that two out of three women reported health related bias and discrimination. As a former doctor I saw late diagnoses and misdiagnoses all too frequently in women, ranging from cancer to heart disease. Women present differently and get overlooked, dismissed or, at worst, gaslit. The Albanese government's National Women's Health Summit aims to change these outcomes and perceptions. If you need to know more, shun the influencers and head to a reputable website, like the Jean Hailes Foundation.

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