Better awareness drives more endometriosis hospital admissions
A new report shows the increasing rate of women and girls being treated for endometriosis in hospitals may signal better awareness of the chronic condition.
A recent report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare indicates a significant rise in hospital admissions for endometriosis, outpacing the general increase in hospital visits for any condition. This surge, says the report, is largely attributed to heightened awareness of the condition among both the general public and medical professionals.
Between 2014 and 2024, the rate of women and girls admitted to hospital for endometriosis saw a 23% increase, while the rate of hospital visits for any condition rose by a mere 4.7%. Endometriosis, a disorder where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, affects approximately one in seven Australian women aged 18 to 45. This condition can lead to infertility and severe pain, yet many patients face challenges in obtaining a correct diagnosis.
The diagnosis process often involves emergency department visits due to abdominal pain, leading to various diagnoses that may not be directly linked to endometriosis. Dr. Marilla Druitt, president of Pelvic Pain Victoria, notes that while these data provide encouraging news, the condition's complexity means that holistic treatment approaches are necessary.
She advocates for improved access to physiotherapy and pain psychology, highlighting the disparity between the rapid growth of endometriosis cases and the capacity of healthcare providers to address them.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
