March marks Endometriosis Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness for the chronic condition.
Endometriosis, commonly known as "endo," affects one in 7 women in Australia, yet many live in pain for years without a diagnosis. With no cure and often debilitating symptoms, endometriosis can significantly disrupt daily life – impacting everything from a woman’s ability to work and study to their relationships, social life and fertility.
occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus (womb) – usually in the pelvis, but sometimes in other areas of the body. While every woman’s experience looks different, some common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- painful, often heavy, periods
- persistent pelvic pain
- pelvic, abdominal, or lower back pain
- deep pain during or after sex.
For many women, physical pain is only part of the story. The Inquiry into Women’s Pain heard from women and girls about their experiences of endometriosis and how their pain impacted every aspect of their lives.
The exact cause of endometriosis is not yet fully understood, but current research suggests that the condition may be linked to a combination of hormonal, genetic and immune factors.
While there’s no known way to prevent endometriosis, recognising symptoms early and seeking medical care can help women manage the condition and minimise its impacts.
Improving endometriosis care in Victoria
Led by the Department of Health, the delivery of the Victorian Government's Women's Health and Wellbeing Program is setting a new benchmark for accessible, comprehensive and inclusive women's healthcare to transform the way women's health issues are understood and treated.
As part of this work, a new suite of dedicated women's health services is expanding access to endometriosis care across the state. These services are designed to help women receive earlier diagnosis, coordinated treatment and ongoing support closer to home, reducing the barriers that have traditionally delayed care.
New Women's Health offer free multidisciplinary specialist care under one roof, giving women faster access to the care they need. While the clinics provide care and support for a range of women’s health issues, the assessment and management of endometriosis is a service available to all women, girls and gender diverse people.
Jesse, an Advanced Laparoscopic Fellow at the Women’s Health Clinic in Frankston, provides specialised evidence-based care for women with suspected or confirmed endometriosis.
She says listening to women and validating their experiences of pain is integral to ensuring women are heard and supported when seeking care.
"Last week, I had a patient who came for her first visit, and she came out after the clinic appointment, and she said it was first time since her first period that she has been listened to," Jesse says.
The care delivered at 20 new Women’s Health Clinics is complemented by additional Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program services and initiatives.
As part of the program, an additional 10,800 laparoscopies are being delivered free of charge over 4 years (2023-2027) to help diagnose women with endometriosis.
Endometriosis assessment and care is also available at the dedicated Aboriginal Women’s Health , and the Virtual Women’s Health , which offers free telehealth appointments to women and girls statewide.
Find out more about how the Department of Health is bridging the gap in women's healthcare through the Women's Health and Wellbeing Program.
Reviewed 24 March 2026