The crippling impact of endometriosis will be the focus of a landmark South Australian inquiry into this common and debilitating condition affecting thousands of South Australian women.
Member for Waite Catherine Hutchesson today successfully moved a motion to set up a parliamentary inquiry to examine the prevalence and effects of endometriosis on South Australian women and how to improve treatments and supports.
It's estimated as many as one in every seven South Australian women will experience endometriosis and it can result in hospitalisations.
Endometriosis occurs when body tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus (called endometrium) grows outside the uterus in other parts of the body, usually in the pelvis and can cause organs to stick together. It can cause inflammation, severe pain, affect fertility and have a significant impact on quality of life.
It's a progressive and chronic condition, meaning it gets worse over time.
Many women will take years to receive a diagnosis after having their pain routinely dismissed or overlooked by medical professionals.
While understanding of endometriosis has improved in recent years, many sufferers still report difficulty navigating their condition and feeling believed.
Women usually are diagnosed after receiving a referral via their GP to specialist services, with the severity of their condition only fully known after surgery.
The Parliamentary Select Committee into Endometriosis will for the first time investigate exactly how widespread endometriosis is in the South Australian community, and the barriers women face in gaining access to treatment.
It will also explore the current treatment and supports available, how education and awareness can be improved and how employers can best support women with the condition.
The inquiry will also report on the latest research into endometriosis and how care options can be enhanced and broadened.
As put by Chris Picton
For too long, women across South Australia have suffered, often in silence, from this painful and debilitating condition.
Endometriosis affects about one in seven women and can have a severe impact on quality of life, from their work to their fertility.
This important inquiry will shine a light on endometriosis and ensure we are doing all we can to better support women across our state.
As put by Catherine Hutchesson
The impact endometriosis has on South Australians is staggering, often suffering in silence or without a diagnosis.
Endometriosis can be debilitating to a point of not being able to even get out of bed.
This Parliamentary Select Committee into Endometriosis will inquire into what needs to be done in terms of research, treatment and ongoing care with the aim of improving outcomes for those impacted.
I'd like to thank prominent South Australian advocate Deanna Wallis for being so open about her struggle and all of those who suffer from this crippling disease. I am proud to put your plight into the spotlight to achieve better outcomes for everyone impacted.
As put by endometriosis advocate and Wallis Cinema Director, Deanna Flynn Wallis, aged 28
Endometriosis has cost me my quality of life and after opting to have a hysterectomy, it has cost me the ability to one day carry my own children. Sadly, even that has not prevented the endometriosis from returning.
Needless to say, endometriosis has taken an enormous emotional and physical toll on me since I first started experiencing symptoms at age 13 and I strongly believe no girl or woman should be left suffering in silence.
This is an epidemic and a crisis which has to be addressed. We desperately need more education and more support. I'm grateful the Government is listening and really willing to see what can be done because the endometriosis warriors of South Australia deserve so much better.
