Endometriosis hospitalisations rise in Australia amid access challenges

New data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveals that endometriosis hospitalisations in Australia rose by 23 per cent over the last decade, significantly outpacing the 5 per cent increase in general female hospitalisations. In the 2024-25 period, there were 24,700 hospitalisations related to the condition, with over 90 per cent involving a medical procedure.

In Canberra, patients face specific challenges including delayed diagnosis, gender bias, and fragmented care pathways. The Health Care Consumers’ Association (HCCA) noted that Canberra residents often deal with limited local specialist access, leading to higher costs and a need to travel interstate for treatment. The ACT Legislative Assembly has initiated an inquiry into endometriosis and pelvic pain conditions to address these systemic issues.

In New South Wales, the government has awarded a $25,000 grant to the Australian Endometriosis Foundation. This funding supports the ‘Freezer Friends’ program, a fertility and health literacy initiative designed to provide evidence-based information to over 1,200 women. The program aims to assist those living with the condition in making informed decisions regarding reproductive health, family planning, and career timing.