The crippling impact of endometriosis will be the focus of a landmark South Australian parliamentary inquiry.
Member for Waite Catherine Hutchesson has this month successfully moved a motion to set up the inquiry to examine the prevalence and effects of the condition on local women and how to improve treatments and supports.
Endometriosis, often shortened to ‘endo’, is a common and debilitating condition affecting thousands of South Australian women. Around one in every seven women in the state are estimated to experience the progressive and chronic condition in their lifetime.
South Australian Endometriosis Ambassador Kristel Dally from ARN Radio has welcomed the announcement.
“For so many women, it takes years and years to get diagnosed, and just in the last couple of years there has been more awareness around the disease…. We have the same amount of people that are suffering from endo, as [those who] have asthma and diabetes, and if you look at the funding comparatively, it is a little tiny drop in the ocean,” Kristel said to ARN’s Jennie Lenman and Adam Connelly in a radio interview.
The disease occurs when body tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus in other parts of the body, and causes inflammation and severe pain.
“For people that have severe endometriosis, like myself, it is daily pain. It manifests itself in all sorts of ways; nausea, constant migraines, constant pain, I look like I’m having triplets… It’s also a disease that’s found in every major organ of the body,” Kristel said.
As many women report they have taken years to receive a diagnosis after having their pain dismissed or overlooked by medical professionals, the Parliamentary Select Committee will also investigate the barriers women face in gaining access to treatment.
Hear more from Kristel in her chat with ARN’s Adam Connelly and Jennie Lenman via the audio play window below:
