An estimated one in 10 New Zealand girls and women suffer from endometriosis. While there are many symptoms of this disease, it can be difficult to diagnose because endometriosis isn't easily seen.
It is normal for some girls to experience painful or erratic periods in their first few years of menstruation. However, we recommend that girls and women seek help if the pain does not improve, if there is ongoing pain throughout the month, or if the pain worsens.
At Oxford Women's Health, we have a number of endometriosis experts, who can help to determine whether you have the disease and if so, what treatments might be best for you.
There are several treatment options available if endometriosis is suspected. A laparoscopic operation, performed by a gynaecologist, is often needed to diagnose endometriosis. If it is found, it can usually be removed during the procedure. Other management options for endometriosis include hormonal medications (like the pill), physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes involving diet and exercise.
We are committed to supporting our patients with pelvic pain and endometriosis, and as a Centre of Excellence have developed our own pelvic pain multi-disciplinary team to review patients with complex pelvic symptoms. With patient consent, our team of gynaecologists, pelvic floor physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists and other experts meets regularly to discuss more complex cases.
Our specialists are also committed to endometriosis research, diagnosis and treatment, and are widely respected for their clinical knowledge and expertise. In fact, colleagues from throughout New Zealand refer patients to us. Several of our team contributed to the recently published Ministry of Health guidelines on endometriosis diagnosis and management.
We are fortunate to offer the services of Deborah Bush, co-founder of Endometriosis New Zealand and an Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Coach. Deborah provides endometriosis and pelvic pain education sessions for women and girls on topics such as medical interventions and lifestyle management. Deborah has also developed an on-line resource called "What About Me" which provides information about menstrual health. To visit this website Click here
If you're experiencing abnormal pain during menstruation, please make an appointment with a member of our team today.
To find out more about endometriosis, take a look at these videos from Endometriosis New Zealand: http://www.nzendo.org.nz/about-endometriosis/videos/index.html
You will also find out more information on the Endometriosis New Zealand website.
