04 March 2025
March 2025 marks Endometriosis Awareness Month, an important opportunity to raise awareness of this often-misunderstood condition that affects at least 1 in 9 individuals assigned female at birth in Australia.
As a chronic and debilitating disease, endometriosis significantly impacts quality of life, with symptoms including severe pelvic pain, lower back pain and abdominal discomfort. Despite its prevalence, endometriosis remains difficult to diagnose, with an average delay of 6-8 years between symptom onset and formal diagnosis.
As GPs, recognising the signs and symptoms early and referring patients to appropriate care pathways, such as Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Clinics, is crucial in reducing this diagnostic delay and improving patient outcomes.
Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Clinics provide dedicated multidisciplinary care for patients experiencing endometriosis and pelvic pain. These clinics are led by experienced GPs and supported by nurses and allied health professionals, including women’s health physiotherapists, dietitians, and counsellors. Their goal is to provide timely diagnosis, symptom management, and access to specialist referrals while improving overall patient wellbeing.
How GPs can support patients experiencing endometriosis and pelvic pain
GPs can assist patients by:
- Providing early education and guidance on symptom recognition and management strategies.
- Informing patients of local Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Clinics by advising they can contact the clinics directly to book in their assessment.
- Utilising EMPHN resources to stay informed about clinic locations and available services.
EMPHN Endometriosis resources:
- Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain GP Clinics Flyer – Health Professional
- Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain GP Clinics Flyer – Patient
- HealthPathways Melbourne – Endometriosis
Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Clinics
As a GP working within the EMPHN catchment there are two Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Clinics that you can refer patients to.
The two clinics – located in Epping and Ringwood East – are led by experienced GPs and supported by a skilled multidisciplinary team, including nurses and allied health professionals.
Services offered by the clinics include:
- Medical consultations
- Nursing consultations
- Allied health consultations
- Diagnostic investigations
- Referral pathways to specialist clinics and allied health providers
Inclusion criteria:
- Female/Assigned female at birth
- Have a diagnosis of endometriosis, or seeking a diagnosis for pelvic pain
Find out more about the specialised Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics established within the EMPHN region.
By working collaboratively with these specialised clinics, GPs can help reduce diagnostic delays and enable early access to essential treatment options, pain management strategies, and specialist referrals.
Expanding Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Clinics across Australia
On 9 February 2025, the Australian Government announced an expansion of the Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Clinics initiative, increasing access to specialist care and resources for those affected. Over the next three years (2025-26 to 2027-28), 11 new clinics will be funded, bringing the total to 33 clinics nationally. Additionally, the existing 22 clinics will receive extended funding to continue providing care and support. Read full details via the media press release.
