Geelong health professionals are helping end the stigma around women’s pain and educate the public on conditions affecting women with a free forum.
Epworth Geelong will host a Women’s Health Matters Summit on November 12 from 5.30pm to 7pm.
Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ballarat and Surf Coast endometriosis support nurse Anna Price-Smith is the forum’s MC and lived with endometriosis for 18 years before she was diagnosed.
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease where tissue grows outside the uterus that can or may cause pelvic pain or make it harder to get pregnant.
Mrs Price-Smith said finding the right healthcare team was important, with many “great support services” and professionals available across Geelong.
“Endometriosis is becoming much more known about and openly discussed, but there’s still a lot of misinformation and lack of awareness,” she said.
“There is really good support, and we’re really lucky in the Geelong area that we have people who are specialised in women’s health and pelvic pain.
“I suffered tremendous pain and a variety of symptoms for years before my diagnosis… I had lots of ultrasounds that showed that everything looked normal.
“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.
“If people feel like they need support, they should pick out the right team for them given that endo and pelvic pain does often need a multidisciplinary care team.”
Gynaecologist Dr Alex Bonner said 11.4 per cent of Australian women were diagnosed with endometriosis by age 44.
“With increased awareness of endometriosis through the media in recent years, more women are realising their pain isn’t normal and are seeking help,” she said.
“There is a broad range of symptoms which can be attributable to endometriosis, which is under-recognised, such as bladder frequency and bloating, painful sex and infertility.
“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.”
Visit events.humanitix.com/women-s-health-matters-understanding-fertility-pain-and-wellness for tickets or more information.
