Endometriosis affects one in seven Australian women, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed conditions in women's health. Far more than just painful periods, it is a chronic inflammatory condition that can have a profound impact on quality of life, fertility, and mental health.
Genea Fertility Medical Director Associate Professor Alex Polyakov describes endometriosis as a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic organs. Because this tissue cannot exit the body during menstruation, it causes inflammation, scarring, and cyclical pain that can range from mild to debilitating.
Symptoms vary widely and can include pelvic pain, heavy or irregular bleeding, bloating, fatigue, and difficulty conceiving. Between one third and one half of women with endometriosis experience challenges falling pregnant, making it one of the more significant contributors to female infertility.
Diagnosis remains a major hurdle. The gold standard is laparoscopic surgery, though in some cases endometriosis can be identified via ultrasound. Painful periods are frequently dismissed as normal, which contributes to the average delay in diagnosis of several years.
Treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms and whether pregnancy is desired, and may include pain relief, hormone therapies, or surgical removal of endometrial implants. In a welcome development, several endometriosis medications have recently been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, significantly reducing costs for Australian patients.
Emerging research is also pointing to a potential link between the gut microbiome and endometriosis, raising the possibility that targeting gut bacteria could one day offer a new avenue for managing the condition.
For those living with endometriosis, understanding the condition is a meaningful first step toward getting the right support and care.
A/Prof Alex Polyakov
Associate Professor Alex Polyakov is an Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Fertility specialist practicing in East Melbourne. A/Prof Polyakov is unique among fertility specialists by offering a holistic approach that encompasses surgical, fertility, and obstetric care. This means Alex is highly trained to perform surgical interventions for gynaecological conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and intrauterine polyps/adhesions.
