$870 in Six Weeks: The Hidden Cost of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain

Last week, journalist Ima Caldwell published her experiences navigating the Australian public healthcare system with endometriosis for an article on The Guardian. In her article, Ms Caldwell explains the cost associated with managing pelvic pain such as endometriosis and adenomyosis.

She says that in the last six weeks alone, she has paid $870 out of pocket (after Medicare) on medical bills.

In addition to the financial cost, Ms Caldwell also details facing barriers to receiving healthcare due to where she lives, plus the logistical burden of managing appointments.

Endometriosis Australia believes that Ms Caldwell’s experience is not isolated and speaks powerfully to a broader systemic problem.

“The author’s experience, having to spend almost one thousand dollars out-of-pocket in six weeks on GP visits, specialist consultation, ultrasound and other diagnostics for basic reproductive health care is disturbing,” said Endometriosis Australia’s Medical Director, A/Prof Anusch Yazdani.

“Despite Australia’s highly regarded universal health coverage, it is clear that for many chronic conditions, like endometriosis, adenomyosis, infertility or persistent pelvic pain, the safety net is fraying or has broken.

“Waiting lists, lack of access to public specialist services, and high out-of-pocket costs funnel people into private care or into financial distress. This problem is of course exacerbated for our rural, remote and linguistically diverse populations,” A/Prof Yazdani continued.

“The article also highlights the unfortunate perpetuation of the inequities of women’s health and the intersection of gender, cost, and health care. Would a man with testicular pain ever be rejected by a health service? Unlikely.”

For the women’s reproductive health system, this story is a call to action. We need to continue advocating for equitable access to women’s health services—ensuring geography or socioeconomic status do not determine whether someone receives timely care.

“At Endometriosis Australia, we are very familiar with the navigation fatigue, financial burden, and emotional distress those affected by endometriosis face on a daily basis. To those reading this who feel unseen, unheard, or financially squeezed: you are not alone,” A/Prof Yazdani concluded.