The crippling impact of endometriosis will be the focus of a landmark South Australian inquiry into this common and debilitating condition affecting thousands of South Australian women.

A parliamentary inquiry will examine the prevalence and effects of endometriosis on South Australian women and how to improve treatments and supports.

It’s estimated as many as one in every seven South Australian women will experience endometriosis and it can result in hospitalisations.

Endometriosis occurs when body tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus (called endometrium) grows outside the uterus in other parts of the body, usually in the pelvis and can cause organs to stick together. 

It can cause inflammation, severe pain, affect fertility and have a significant impact on quality of life.

It’s a progressive and chronic condition, meaning it gets worse over time.

Many women will take years to receive a diagnosis after having their pain routinely dismissed or overlooked by medical professionals.

While understanding of endometriosis has improved in recent years, many sufferers still report difficulty navigating their condition and feeling believed.

Women usually are diagnosed after receiving a referral via their GP to specialist services, with the severity of their condition only fully known after surgery.

The Parliamentary Select Committee into Endometriosis will for the first time investigate exactly how widespread endometriosis is in the South Australian community, and the barriers women face in gaining access to treatment.

It will also explore the current treatment and supports available, how education and awareness can be improved and how employers can best support women with the condition.

The inquiry will also report on the latest research into endometriosis and how care options can be enhanced and broadened.

Waite MP Catherine Hutchesson instigated the Parliamentary enquiry.

“I’d like to thank prominent South Australian advocate Deanna Wallis for being so open about her struggle and all of those who suffer from this crippling disease,” she says.

At the age of 28, Wallis Cinema Director Deanna Flynn Wallis says endometriosis has dramatically affected her quality of life.

“After opting to have a hysterectomy, it has cost me the ability to one day carry my own children. Sadly, even that has not prevented the endometriosis from returning," she says. 

“Needless to say, endometriosis has taken an enormous emotional and physical toll on me since I first started experiencing symptoms at age 13 and I strongly believe no girl or woman should be left suffering in silence.

“This is an epidemic and a crisis which has to be addressed. We desperately need more education and more support. 

“I’m grateful the Government is listening and really willing to see what can be done because the endometriosis warriors of South Australia deserve so much better.”