Easing endometriosis

Endometriosis affects an estimated 120,000 New Zealanders.
Many wait an average of eight years between symptoms developing, and diagnosis.

Endometriosis New Zealand (ENZ) wants government to develop a national endometriosis action plan, similar to that in Australia, and to including funding and research.

“We heard that women with endometriosis are affected by lack of available information around menstrual health, as well as being unfairly affected by a lack of management, and treatment guidance for health practitioners, and limited availability of specialist treatments,” the report says.

ENZ Chief Executive Tanya Cooke says words alone will not improve the lives of women burdened by endometriosis.

“It must be backed up with a specific action plan, and underpinned by funding and resources,” she says.

Common endometriosis symptoms

• debilitating period pain
• pain during or after intercourse
• pelvic, lower back, or leg pain
• pain during or around ovulation
• painful urination
• fertility problems
• rectal pain
• painful bowel movements, a bloated
abdomen, constipation, or diarrhoea
• constant tiredness
• depression, mood disturbances, PMS
• premenstrual spotting
• immune system issues
• painful smear tests