A shared goal to end the stigma surrounding women's pain is behind Epworth Geelong's Women's Health Matters forum this November.
Awareness and diagnosis of endometriosis in women is climbing, with 11.4% of Australian women diagnosed by the age of 44.
The chronic condition, which can lead to debilitating pelvic pain, bladder and gut problems, painful sex, and infertility, takes on average six to eight years to diagnose, something Geelong gastroenterologist Dr Chris Hair and gynaecologist Dr Alex Bonner are hoping to change.
"We want to empower all women to speak up about their health with confidence," Dr Hair said.
"No pain should be dismissed as 'normal', and no one knows their body better than you do. This forum is about giving women the tools to know when to say something isn't right."
For Dr Bonner, encouraging young women to seek help early is crucial.
"Treating symptoms early is the most effective and helps prevent long term impact, so we particularly encourage young women to seek help if they feel this is relevant to them," she said.
"With increased awareness of endometriosis through the media in recent years, more women are realising their pain isn't normal and are seeking help."
"However there is a broad range of symptoms which can be attributable to endometriosis, which are under-recognised, such as: bladder frequency and bloating, painful sex and infertility. These are all problems which can be managed."
Dr Hair said he, and other Epworth specialists, take a holistic approach to health, with the link between the gut and brain, for example, now shown to be real.
"The connection between gut health and pelvic pain is something that's often overlooked, and we want to change that," said Dr Hair.
"I see many patients who have lived with pain for years and been dismissed by medical professionals. It's not uncommon for someone who has bloating and gut pain to also suffer from endometriosis that hasn't yet been diagnosed."
Dr Hair said younger generations are incredibly 'health literate' and will attend appointments armed with information, while older age groups say they wish they'd had access to the same information.
"For a long time women felt like they didn't have a voice when it came to their health, and the advocacy we are seeing now – whether it be online or just through friends talking openly – is a positive step forward for all women."
Anna Price-Smith is an Endometriosis Support Nurse at Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ballarat & Surf Coast – she's the forum's MC – and endometriosis awareness is a cause close to her heart, having lived experience with the debilitating condition for 18 years before being diagnosed.
The local nurse is passionate about educating and supporting people on their journey from diagnosis to a better quality of life and uses a holistic care approach to assist people to understand symptom management options and build their support team around them.
"I suffered tremendous pain and a variety of symptoms for years before my diagnosis," Ms Price-Smith said.
"I had stage four endometriosis, which required multiple surgeries and had a massive impact on my health and wellbeing. I became an endo nurse to help others."
The Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre at Epworth helps patients who are navigating care with suspected or confirmed endometriosis. Specialised nurses help patients to form a network of care within their community, and provide ongoing support to them as they navigate living with their condition.
The Women's Health Matters Summit will be be held on 12 November at Epworth Geelong from 5.30pm – 7.00pm.
Tickets are free via the link: https://events.humanitix.com/women-s-health-matters-understanding-fertility-pain-and-wellness
