News

March marks Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the nearly 1 million Australians – equivalent to one in seven women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals – who live with this chronic and often debilitating condition.

Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those in the uterine lining grow outside of the uterus, leading to severe pain and a range of distressing symptoms. Despite its prevalence, the average diagnosis time remains between six and eight years, leaving many sufferers struggling without proper medical support.

Recognising the critical need for accessible care, the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) proudly funds the Orange Family Medical Centre (OFMC), one of 22 dedicated endometriosis clinics in Australia and one of just seven in New South Wales. The OFMC provides specialist care and case management to help patients receive accurate diagnoses and comprehensive treatment.

One such patient, a 38-year-old woman from the Central West, has experienced life-changing support from the OFMC team. She had previously undergone a laparoscopy, dilation and curettage, and hysteroscopy in 2020, but her endometriosis was not fully excised, leading to a return of pain within six months.

When she presented at the OFMC, she was suffering from debilitating daily pelvic and back pain, exhaustion, infertility following more than two years of unsuccessful IVF treatment, menstrual migraines, bowel pain and dysfunction, and bladder symptoms at ovulation.

A specialised pelvic ultrasound confirmed significant endometriosis. She was referred to a tertiary clinic for complete excision surgery and underwent further tests to investigate her bowel and bladder symptoms.

The patient had surgery in December 2024 and is now recovering well. She is set to recommence IVF treatment to try to conceive again, now that her endometriosis has been fully excised. She is currently caring for a foster child and is grateful to have regained her function and quality of life.

She is also undergoing ongoing physiotherapy, which is helping to manage her bowel and bladder symptoms. Expressing her gratitude, she said, “I can’t thank you enough for finding me the right care. After all these years of unsuccessful IVF and pain, I feel like I finally have the treatment I needed.”

The OFMC’s dedicated approach demonstrates the life-changing impact of proper endometriosis care.

If you are experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, it is important to seek medical support. Patients can self-refer to the Orange Family Medical Clinic by calling (02) 6393 9600.