Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic Announced for HHMP
Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of women worldwide, causing pain, discomfort, and sometimes infertility. It is a condition in which the endometrial tissue, which is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside of the uterus, leading to inflammation and scarring. This tissue can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs, causing severe pain during menstruation, sexual intercourse, or bowel movements.
One of the most common symptoms of endometriosis is pelvic pain. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that can interfere with daily activities. Women with endometriosis may experience different types of pain, including:
- Dysmenorrhea – painful periods: This is a common symptom of endometriosis, and women may experience severe cramps during their menstrual cycle, which may feel like a stabbing or burning sensation in the pelvic region.
- Chronic pelvic pain: Women with endometriosis may experience chronic pelvic pain, which is pain that lasts for more than six months. This pain may be present throughout the month or only during specific times, such as during menstruation or sexual intercourse.
- Pain during intercourse: Women with endometriosis may experience pain during sexual intercourse, which can make sexual activity uncomfortable or even impossible.
- Pain during bowel movements or urination: Endometrial tissue growths can also affect the rectum and bladder, leading to pain during bowel movements or urination.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Endometriosis is a challenging condition to diagnose, and it may take several years before a woman receives a proper diagnosis. A gynaecologist may be involved and will perform a physical exam and take a detailed medical history to evaluate the symptoms. An ultrasound, MRI, hysteroscopy (uterine camera) or laparoscopy (Intra-abdominal camera) may also be used to visualize the endometrial tissue and diagnose the condition.
There is no cure for endometriosis, but several treatment options are available to manage the symptoms. Pain relief medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or hormonal therapy may be prescribed to manage the pain. Hormonal therapy such as oral contraceptives or GnRH agonists can be used to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce endometrial growth.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the endometrial tissue growths. A hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus, may be recommended in cases where the patient does not wish to have children or has not responded to other treatments.
Australian Government Commitment
Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 9 Australian women and can have an extensive, devastating impact on the daily lives of sufferers. With those suffering waiting on average of seven years before diagnosis. The federal government has committed to the establishment of 20 endometriosis clinics in general practices Australia wide.
Working in existing general practice, the clinics will strengthen what is often the first point of contact in the health system to reduce diagnostic delays and promote early access to multi-disciplinary intervention, care and treatment.
As well as directly helping patients, the clinics will raise awareness of endometriosis and pelvic pain, build professional knowledge and skills in this area, and improve access to information and care pathways.
The Assistant minister for health and aged care, The Hon. Ged Kearney noted that: “Too many women suffer for years with what we know can be debilitating conditions. They deserve to have their concerns be taken seriously with better access to specialised care”. She went on to add that “These Clinics are about providing women with an accessible front door to the care that they need. Gathering expertise under one roof, fostering that knowledge to improve diagnosis and services, having referral pathways in place – these are all crucial elements to getting the support that women need right.
Hunters Hill Medical Practice is one of those clinics
The team at hunters Hill Medical Practice is very excited to announce that we are one of only 6 clinics in NSW and 20 clinics nationally that have been picked as one of these clinics. This is a great achievement for the team and a huge vote of confidence. Multiple highly qualified female and male GPs who run their private practices from Hunters Hill Medical Practice have extra skills in women’s health and will be involved in the clinic.
The GP team will be supported by specialists, Dr Cherynne Johansson (Gynaecologist and laproscopic and robotic surgeon), Dr May Wong (Gastroenterologist), Dr Matt Kim (Gastroenterologist), Prof Matt Rickard (Colorectal Surgeon), Dr Henry Cheung (Colorectal Surgeon), Dr Thaw Dar Htet (endocrinologist) and Dr Jeff Ahn (endocrinologist). The allied health team working from Hunters Hill Medical Practice also has excellent skills to support this with physiotherapists, psychologists and dietitian. This is a comprehensive group of practitioners to have at your local general practice, that is able to address your endometriosis and pelvic pain at all levels, diagnosis, treatment, surgery, weight management, Bowel related issues etc.
What happens next
The announcement of the clinics was made on Wednesday 22nd of March 2023. We are glad to have qualified people at HHMP. GPs, physios and Gynecologist are already seeing and treating women. This funding will allow us to expand services and acquire extra resources and equipment.
Endometriosis Australia website can be a good place for information.
If we can be of assistance please use the BOOK NOW button or call us on 02 9817 2080.
