The Federal Government has vowed to lift the lid on endometriosis – the reproductive disease affecting one in 10 women worldwide.
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Health Minister Greg Hunt released the draft National Action Plan for Endometriosis on May 14 and is calling for public input.
The draft report is the first ever national initiative to tackle endometriosis in Australia.
Gemma Loomans, who was diagnosed with stage IV endometriosis two years ago, says its “amazing” to see the government creating conversation about the “silent disease”.
“It took 10 years for me to be taken seriously by a doctor,” she said.
“I had been diagnosed with glandular fever, IBS, depression and everything in between, until I finally found someone to take me seriously. By the time I was diagnosed, the endometriosis had spread through not only my reproductive system but my bowel and bladder.”
Surgery for endometriosis can be complex, with endometrial tissue removed through invasive procedures, which Ms Loomans says is only a temporary relief. The disease has no cure.
“Endometriosis is all consuming and physically feels like you are being ripped apart from the inside,” she said.
“We talk about when we have a headache, if we're lactose intolerant or if we can't eat gluten, but we don't talk about endometriosis.”
The draft National Action Plan for Endometriosis is open for public consultation until May 28.
It can be found online at consultations.health.gov.au.
