Opinion piece by Endometriosis NZ Chief Executive Officer, Tanya Cooke, published by The Post NZ.
A recent Australian trial using blood tests shows promising results that could eventually pave the way for major advancements in diagnosing endometriosis. This would be extremely significant for New Zealand endometriosis patients, who currently endure an average delay to diagnosis of nearly 10 years and are required to undergo invasive surgery to accurately identify the condition.
Endometriosis is a chronic disorder where tissue similar to the lining of the inside of the uterus grows in other places. This causes inflammation, pain and many other debilitating symptoms. It can also impact fertility.
Pelvic pain, fatigue and painful periods can severely reduce a sufferer’s quality of life, affecting their work, relationships and mental health. Endometriosis is estimated to affect around 120,000 New Zealanders and cost the country between $1.3 billion and $1.5b annually through increased healthcare costs and lost workforce productivity.
However, despite its prevalence and impact, endometriosis remains one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions in our healthcare system.
The news of the research in Australia is encouraging, although there is some way to go before utilising blood-test results could be available as a clinical diagnosis tool. This interval provides New Zealand with the perfect opportunity to develop an appropriate diagnostic scheme to incorporate this potential breakthrough with emerging ways of utilising advanced imaging technologies such as MRIs and ultrasounds.
To address this, the Government should again look to the Australians and follow their lead in developing a comprehensive national endometriosis action plan. Such an action plan would provide a national framework to tackle endometriosis, not only though through improved diagnosis but also better education and awareness, enhanced clinical management and care, and more investment in research.
A lack of endometriosis education in primary healthcare is a major problem.
General practitioners and nurses are often the first point of contact for those experiencing endometriosis symptoms, yet many aren’t provided the knowledge to recognise the condition effectively. A robust education programme delivered through the action plan is therefore essential to develop the nationwide health workforce that can identify symptoms early and refer patients for more specialised care.
For those currently fortunate enough to be referred, the pathway to treatment is often fraught with delays.
Patients can wait years to see a gynaecologist, with the associated negative impact this can have on their quality of life. Increased investment in the training of gynaecologists through implementation of an action plan could reduce these wait times and ensure far more timely access to care.
Current endometriosis diagnosis often relies on invasive laparoscopic surgery, as non-invasive options like advanced ultrasounds or MRIs are not widely available through our public health system. Moreover, access to hormonal treatments, a cornerstone of symptom management, is inconsistent and often prohibitively expensive.
A national action plan would help ensure non-invasive diagnostic tools and treatments are prioritised and access is equitable.
Endometriosis affects one in 10 people assigned female at birth, yet its impact on physical and mental health, employment and relationships remains grossly underestimated.
If the research out of Australia tells us one thing it is that we must act now to develop a national action plan and ensure that in the years to come, we can provide New Zealanders with the best possible endometriosis care and treatment.