As the end of Endometriosis Awareness Month nears we must continue to
empower the change those living with the pain of the condition need from our
healthcare system, says Endometriosis New Zealand Chief Executive Tanya
Cooke.
“For the estimated 120,000 New Zealanders with endometriosis, the impact of
living with the condition can be extremely difficult.”
“Globally, seven in ten endometriosis patients live with unresolved pain,
including pain with periods, pain with sex and non-menstrual persistent pelvic
pain.”
“As well as the devastating impact this kind of pain can have on a person’s
quality of life, endometriosis can also significantly affect their ability to
participate in education and the workforce,” Cooke says.
In a recent study of New Zealand endometriosis patients, two out of three said
that chronic pelvic pain from endometriosis had caused them to lose time in
their education. One in five gave up on their studies completely because of it.
In Australia lost workforce productivity and increased healthcare expenses due
to the condition is estimated to cost that country around $10.7 billion annually.
“Living, studying or working with chronic pain can be debilitating, which is why
New Zealand must continue to advance the quality of care and treatment we
provide to those with endometriosis,” Cooke says.
“The recent decision by Pharmac to publicly fund desogestrel (Cerazette) is a
good boost but much more needs to be done. Fundamentally we need a National
Action Plan for Endometriosis that tackles key issues such as the average 10-
year delay for diagnosis, the education and awareness of our primary healthcare
workforce and the reduction of treatment wait times through the training of
more gynaecologists.”
“A National Action Plan would also help ensure non-invasive diagnostic tools and
a greater range of treatments are prioritised, and access is equitable.”
“Endometriosis remains a commonly misunderstood condition. However, with it
affecting 1 in 10 girls, women and those assigned female at birth, it has a major
impact on our communities, and we must do more to tackle it.”
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. This year’s theme is Let’s Talk Endo:
Opening Conversations, Inspiring Understanding, Empowering Change and is
about breaking the silence on this commonly misunderstood condition.
Endometriosis Awareness Month includes events around the country and the 120
Challenge where individuals and teams can raise funds to support New
Zealanders with endometriosis.