The Australian government has commissioned the development of the guidelines in line with its National Action Plan for Endometriosis, launched in 2018. The Action Plan was the first of its kind and aims to improve the lives of women living with this debilitating condition.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Greg Hunt MP said, “The new Australian Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Endometriosis will provide up to date, evidence-based guidance to support the highest quality care in a variety of Australian healthcare settings.”

“Improvements in clinical care and research is the third priority area identified in the Action Plan and these guidelines will assist in addressing this goal,” Minister Hunt said.

Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition, which can be devastating for some sufferers but is often undiagnosed, although it affects one in nine women and girls. It involves cells similar to the endometrium (uterus) growing in other locations, usually in the pelvis but sometimes in other tissue and organs.

As well as endometriosis, it provides guidance on diagnosis and treatment of adenomyosis— a related condition that can occur on its own or in conjunction with endometriosis, and is often overlooked.

Federal Member for Forrest, the Hon Nola Marino MP said, “The guidelines will assist healthcare professionals, as well as for people with endometriosis or adenomyosis, their families, carers and the public.”