Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics in Australia: Putting Patients First
People living with endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain often face fragmented care, repeated misdiagnoses, and exhausting journeys through the health system. In response, the Australian Government has funded a network of pelvic pain and endometriosis clinics designed to deliver patient‑centred, multidisciplinary care.
At the World Congress on Endometriosis in Sydney, GP Dr. Alecia Macrow shared insights from her clinic in Glenelg, South Australia, one of 22 federally funded sites already operating, with another 11 clinics set to roll out nationwide.
What Makes These Clinics Different?
Unlike traditional GP visits, these clinics are structured to give patients the time and support they need:
- Extended consultations: New pelvic pain patients are seen for over an hour, allowing space to share their full history.
- Multidisciplinary teams: Patients meet with GPs, nurses, physiotherapists, and other specialists depending on their needs.
- Lifestyle and management support: Beyond medical treatment, clinics focus on holistic strategies to improve quality of life.
- Tailored referrals: Each patient is connected to the right team based on their goals and circumstances.
This model ensures care is comprehensive, coordinated, and compassionate.
The Impact on Patients
The difference these clinics make is profound. As Dr. Macrow explained, one patient told her:
“Working with your team has allowed my world to get bigger again. I can start living a life that feels normal and more like what I want to do.”
For many, these clinics represent a turning point after years of medical burnout and trauma. Patients often arrive having seen multiple practitioners, feeling physically, emotionally, and financially exhausted. The clinics offer hope, validation, and a pathway forward.
The Scale of Need
In South Australia alone, demand continues to surprise clinicians. The level of distress among patients highlights the urgent need for more safe, supportive spaces. With 22 clinics already operating and 11 more planned, this initiative is a significant step toward addressing the widespread impact of endometriosis and pelvic pain.
But there is hope
“There is hope. You may need to try a few different practitioners before you find one equipped to help you, but don’t give up. We can almost always find a way forward,” Dr Macrow said.
These clinics embody that promise—providing layers of support, safe practitioners, and evidence‑based care to help patients reclaim their lives.
This work forms part of the Priority Populations grant awarded by the Department of Health and Aged Care to Endometriosis Australia in April 2024. The purpose of which is to support the development of endometriosis-specific media, awareness and information materials that are tailored to priority populations for enhanced accessibility and understanding of endometriosis.
For more videos in the series, CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE for listings and more information about the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics
CLICK HERE for Endometriosis Australia’s March 2025 media release about the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics
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