By Vanessa Tobias – Investigative journalist focused on gender inequality, gender-based violence and holding power to account.
Being a woman is so much fun (laughs in oppressed). Existing in a woman’s body or presenting as one in a patriarchal society like Australia means lower pay, fewer career opportunities, and stupid gender roles. Systemic inequality is everywhere: education, leadership, politics, and healthcare. If you’re not able-bodied, LGBTQI+, or a woman of colour, well, sis, congrats, you’ve hit the marginalisation jackpot.
None of us asked to be born, but if you are born a biological female, you get a range of potential medical conditions as bonus content. Childbirth—what the fuck was that design meeting? Clearly, no women were consulted. As women, our bodies are expected to sustain humanity. Yet understanding and treating the parts doing that work remains optional. When we say something hurts, we’re told it’s normal, we’re being dramatic, or it’s “all in our heads.” Classic. We can produce an entire human being, but we can’t be trusted to identify our own fucking pain.
A 2024 #EndGenderBias survey found that two-thirds of Australian women reported personal experiences with gender bias in healthcare. 55% of patients with vulvovaginal pain considered giving up on care because of dismissals. Of course, the “logical” response to an emotional, hormonal, pain-ridden woman on her period seeking help is to call her insane and tell her to calm down.
But speaking of periods and medical gaslighting, endometriosis is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Australia is investing in endometriosis research and training with new funding, specialist pelvic pain clinics, school education programs, and improved Medicare support. It’s a relief (get it?) that more doctors spend less time telling us to “stop being dramatic” over pain that rivals childbirth. But getting here has been quite a journey.
The UK is taking endometriosis very seriously. So seriously, they funded a study titled: “What is the impact of endometriosis on male partners of women with the condition?” The summary? Endometriosis negatively affects men’s emotional well-being and “life domains.” On behalf of uterus owners everywhere, I’d like to extend my deepest sympathies to men, the real victims here.
Italy wins for audacity. In 2013, researchers published “Attractiveness of women with rectovaginal endometriosis: a case-control study.” Despite criticism (one advocate called it “heartbreaking” and “disgusting”), the journal and authors defend it. The conclusion: women with rectovaginal endometriosis were judged more “attractive” than controls, with a leaner silhouette, larger breasts, and earlier coitarche, which means age of first sexual intercourse. Groundbreaking stuff.
With endometriosis finally getting attention, adenomyosis- the new uterus bitch on the block- basically said, “Hold my beer,” and delivered the worst remix of our generation. Same relentless pain as endo, plus a few nasty add-ons, without any of the recognition, testing, or treatment. I’m tired.
What is endometriosis
Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. Think ovaries, fallopian tubes, even your bladder. The result is pain. Crippling cramps, chronic pelvic pain, exhaustion that can keep you in bed, and sometimes infertility.
Symptoms can include heavy periods, pain during sex, and gastrointestinal distress. Diagnosis usually requires a laparoscopy, a surgical procedure where a camera is inserted into the abdomen to look for disease, because imaging and blood tests often come up empty. Advocating for yourself and proving your pain is real and from a medical condition is its own full-time job.
The stage or extent of endometriosis, mild, moderate, or severe, doesn’t necessarily match how much pain someone feels. You can have extensive lesions and adhesions and barely flinch. Or scarcely any visible disease and be in excruciating agony. The jokes write themselves.
Approximately one in seven Australian women and people assigned female at birth will live with endometriosis by age 44. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), that is more than 830,000 people. In Australia, treatment typically involves a mix of medical therapies, surgical interventions, and (sometimes) supportive care. Treatments should be tailored to each person’s symptoms, severity, and reproductive goals.
Endometriosis in Australia: key statistics
Prevalence: Approximately 1 in 7 females and those assigned female at birth (14%) in Australia are estimated to live with endometriosis, a significant increase from previous estimates of 1 in 9 (11%). Endometriosis Australia.
Age of Diagnosis: The condition is often diagnosed in women aged 31, with a cumulative incidence of 9.2% among those born between 1989 and 1995, compared to 6.9% in the 1973–1978 cohort, AIHW.
Hospitalisations: Hospitalisation rates for endometriosis have doubled among women aged 20–24 over the past decade, AIHW.
Diagnosis Delay: On average, it takes 6.5 years for an individual to receive a diagnosis after the onset of symptoms, with longer delays observed in rural areas, according to News.com.au.
Economic Impact: The Australian Government has committed $87.2 million since 2018 to improve diagnosis, treatment, and support for those affected by endometriosis Health, Disability and Ageing Dept..
Medical insights and professional perspectives
Endometriosis Australia collaborates with a Clinical Advisory Committee comprising medical and allied health professionals who aim to raise awareness and increase knowledge about endometriosis, including research on diagnosis and treatments – Endometriosis Australia.
In a recent statement, CEO Maree Davenport highlighted the increasing awareness among younger women, noting;
Younger women are more empowered, they know it’s not ok to put up with the pain of endometriosis, and the impact to education, work, personal relationships, and social life. It is crucial they can access empirical evidence”
Professor Jason Abbott emphasised the importance of affordable access to treatment, stating, “Visanne significantly reduced their pain and improved their daily lives,” referring to the listing of Visanne on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme – The Daily Telegraph.
Recent developments in treatment
New Medications: The Therapeutic Goods Administration approved Ryeqo, the first new treatment for endometriosis in 13 years, aimed at alleviating pain and preventing excess tissue growth – The Guardian.
PBS Listing: Visanne, a medication for endometriosis, has been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, reducing the cost for patients and improving accessibility – The Daily Telegraph.
Specialist Consultations: A $49.1 million investment by the federal government will ensure access to longer specialist appointments through Medicare, aiming to reduce costs and waiting times for diagnoses and treatments Herald Sun.
Support and resources
Endometriosis Australia: Offers comprehensive support, including specialist clinics, community-led groups, and educational resources – Endometriosis Australia.
Charli App: A hybrid technology and real-world period and reproductive health tracking app launched in partnership with Endometriosis Australia to help individuals manage their condition – Endometriosis Australia.
Nursing Scholarships: A program to train endometriosis-specialised nurses in regional, rural, and remote areas to improve care for women affected by the condition – News.com.au.
Adenomyosis is the younger, disruptive sibling your uterus invented for attention. Here, endometrial tissue grows into the uterine muscle wall. Symptoms often mirror endometriosis: heavy, painful periods, cramping, bloating, and fatigue. Diagnosis is challenging. MRI and ultrasound can help but are not always conclusive, leaving many waiting months or years for answers.
Unlike endometriosis, which is slowly gaining recognition, adenomyosis remains overlooked and missing from much research, medical training, and public discussion. Because it is difficult to diagnose, the actual number of Australians affected is uncertain. Still, a recent study by Mishra et al. estimated the pooled prevalence at 19%. Other sources say it could be as high as one in five women, or 20–35%. Common, painful, and largely invisible, adenomyosis is one of the most neglected conditions in women’s health.
Adenomyosis treatments in Australia usually focus on managing symptoms since there is no one-size-fits-all cure. Options include anti-inflammatory pain relief, hormonal therapies like the pill, IUDs, or injections to regulate bleeding and pain. In more severe cases, surgery such as endometrial ablation, which removes or destroys the uterine lining, or hysterectomy may be considered. The right approach depends on age, symptoms, and the need to preserve fertility.
Adenomyosis in Australia: key statistics
Prevalence: Adenomyosis affects approximately 19% of women in Australia, which is notably higher compared to other regions like Asia, where the prevalence is around 5% – OBGYN.
Co-occurrence with Endometriosis: Studies suggest that up to 89% of individuals with endometriosis also have adenomyosis, highlighting the overlap between these two conditions – News.com.au.
Fertility Impact: Adenomyosis is found in about 24.4% of women experiencing infertility, indicating its potential role in reproductive challenges – rbmojournal.com.
Diagnostic Delay: The average time to diagnose adenomyosis in Australia is about three years, and many patients are initially misdiagnosed – News.com.au.
Medical insights and professional perspectives
Dr Samantha Mooney, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, emphasises the significant impact of adenomyosis on fertility, stating:
“There’s more and more evidence to support adenomyosis’s impact on infertility, and possibly also obstetric outcomes for increased risk of miscarriages.”
Impact on Fertility and Pregnancy Outcomes: Dr Mooney’s research indicates that both adenomyosis and endometriosis are associated with reduced pregnancy and live birth rates, as well as increased miscarriage rates. Notably, the effect is more pronounced in individuals with adenomyosis compared to those with endometriosis. This highlights the importance of considering these conditions when evaluating fertility and planning for pregnancy. drsamanthamooney.com.au
Co-occurrence of Adenomyosis and Endometriosis: Studies suggest that up to 89% of individuals with endometriosis also have adenomyosis. This high co-occurrence underscores the complexity of diagnosing and managing these conditions, as they may present overlapping symptoms and require integrated care approaches.- News.com.au
Treatment options in Australia
Treatment for adenomyosis in Australia varies based on the severity of symptoms and individual patient needs:
Medical Therapies: Hormonal treatments, such as the Mirena IUD, are commonly used to manage symptoms- Sydney Fibroid Clinic.
Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE): This non-surgical procedure is increasingly utilised, offering a 90% overall patient satisfaction rate and up to a 95% reduction in the need for hysterectomy at the Sydney Fibroid Clinic.
Hysterectomy: In cases where other treatments are ineffective, a hysterectomy may be considered as a last resort- Sydney Fibroid Clinic.
Support and resources
Adenomyosis Australia: Provides comprehensive information, support, and resources for individuals affected by adenomyosis Adenomyosis Australia.
Specialist Consultations: Individuals seeking specialised care can consult with experts listed on platforms like Doctify, where initial consultations range from A$195 to A$400 Doctify.
Think you have adenomyosis or endometriosis?
Endometriosis is the outside-job version of uterus sabotage; adenomyosis is the inside job. Both are painful, exhausting, and often dismissed. If you’re lucky, you get both at once, because being a woman is the gift that keeps on giving. Society still expects us to carry on like it’s just a period.
I only know about adenomyosis because I was recently diagnosed with it and, along with my endometriosis, I was approved for a hysterectomy. My female gynecologist is fantastic, but it took over 20 years of dismissal to get here. Twenty years ago, a hysterectomy could have spared me two decades of relentless pain since I never wanted to have children. But that’s only “acceptable” once you’re past your so-called childbearing years. Thanks, patriarchy.
When I was diagnosed with endometriosis ten years ago, my male gynecologist’s plan was: “Suck it up, princess. Here’s an IUD. We’ll shove it through your cervix, test your pain threshold, maybe make your endo worse… and no anaesthesia, because it’ll build character. For the plot.” Not verbatim, but you get it.
Adenomyosis was never mentioned back then. After another decade ofsucking it up, I decided enough was enough of living with pain most days. The pain sabotaged my career, studies, social life, and made it hard to sustain normal relationships. I started advocating for myself and refused to take no for an answer because women deserve better than a lifetime of being told to endure the unbearable.
We all know women are the better-looking, more intelligent, and more rational gender. Clearly, the magic sky fairy, or whatever deity you subscribe to, balanced things out by inventing these wacky conditions to keep us humble. Unfair? Absolutely. But hey, it could be worse: you could’ve been born a biological male (derogatory). Relax, men, it’s a joke.
If you’re experiencing or suspect you have endometriosis or adenomyosis, know you’re not alone. You deserve answers. Yes, you’ll likely face medical misogyny and gaslighting. But remember: they didn’t burn our ancestors at the stake because they stayed quiet and accepted their burdens.
So book that doctor’s appointment. If they suck, get a new doctor. Can’t find endo? Push for an investigation into adeyno or vice versa. Seek out the resources listed above and follow their advice. You know your body better than anyone. If something feels wrong and you’re not getting answers, don’t give up until you do.
I spent 20 years accepting my fate instead of fighting harder for a solution that could have improved my quality of life decades ago. Don’t make the same mistake. Let my story warn you to insist on better and refuse to settle for less than you deserve. History has shown time and again that “being quiet” has never worked in our favour. The consequences are real, lasting, and often invisible. But so is the power we hold when we claim our voices, demand accountability, and refuse to be silent.
Have you lived through something you need to understand? Is there an experience, injustice or truth you are ready to put into words?
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