A new study from the University of Queensland (UQ) has highlighted the significant impact of endometriosis on Australia’s healthcare system. The first longitudinal study of its kind, the research reveals that endometriosis is a leading cause of hospitalisation among Australian women, with patients often requiring multiple hospital visits and prolonged stays.
Led by Dr. Dereje Gete from UQ’s School of Public Health, the study examined health data from over 13,500 women spanning a 27-year period, up until 2022. The findings show that women with endometriosis were hospitalised more frequently than those without the condition, though they typically had shorter stays. However, once diagnosed, women with endometriosis experienced more hospitalisations and longer stays compared to the period before their diagnosis.
“This study underscores the ongoing challenges in managing endometriosis, with recurrent hospitalisations even after surgical treatments,” Dr. Gete explained. “This highlights the need for better long-term care strategies for women living with this chronic condition.”
Endometriosis is a debilitating disease where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing severe symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue, and mental health struggles like anxiety and depression. It affects approximately one in seven Australian women by the age of 44 to 49.
Despite advancements in both medical and surgical treatments, the recurrence rate of endometriosis remains high, and the condition continues to significantly impact women’s quality of life. Dr. Gete stressed that it often leads to chronic pain, infertility, and issues like irritable bowel syndrome.
Senior study author, Professor Gita Mishra, added that the research sheds light on how a diagnosis of endometriosis leads to increased healthcare use. “This study reveals the substantial burden endometriosis places on both the health system and the patients who live with it. It calls for more comprehensive and targeted care for those affected.”
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