The Tasmanian Government recognises Endometriosis Awareness Month and the challenges faced by Tasmanian girls and women living with endometriosis – a painful and often debilitating condition which has a significant impact on their daily lives.
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said that endometriosis impacts around 1 million girls and women across Australia and takes on average 6.5 years to be diagnosed.
Endometriosis is a common disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it in other parts of the body.
Symptoms can include severe pelvic pain, fatigue, heavy or irregular bleeding, and infertility, with those living with endometriosis often experiencing anxiety and depression.
"The impact of this insidious disease can be devastating, from crippling pain right through to infertility, which is why it's so important that we do all we can to boost awareness and help women suffering with endometriosis," Minister Petrusma said.
"Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, we are committed to doing all we can to ensure that Tasmanian girls and women suffering from endometriosis can access timely, affordable care.
"We are boosting the awareness, diagnosis and treatment of this disease across our public health system with a $1.2 million investment in targeted measures, coupled with a new $4.7 million surgical robot.
"This investment is targeted towards campaigns to increase awareness and education for clinicians and the community, to ensure greater understanding about the impact that this chronic condition has on so many Tasmanian women.
"It's crucial to understand that very painful and irregular menstruation that impacts on daily life is not normal and requires medical assistance from a GP and often, specialists such as gynaecologists."
