South Australian government launches inquiry into research, treatment for endometriosis

It’s a debilitating disease that affects almost a million Aussie women, and now one state is finally listening.

A crippling disease that affects almost one million Australian women is going under the spotlight with the launch of a new parliamentary inquiry.

Endometriosis, a disease that can devastate fertility and cause severe pain, is a progressive or chronic condition and sufferer Deanna Flynn Wallis, 28, said it had taken an “enormous emotional and physical toll” on her.

“After opting to have a hysterectomy, it has cost me the ability to one day carry my own children,” she said.

“Even that has not prevented the endometriosis from returning.

“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.”

According to Endometriosis Australia, women suffer for an average of more than six years before receiving a diagnosis.

This week the South Australian government announced the launch of an official inquiry into the disease to examine its prevalence and effect on the state’s women, and drill into the latest research and how to improve treatment and support.

Wallis Cinema director Deanna Flynn Wallis suffered for years with endometriosis before receiving a diagnosis. Picture: Supplied

Endometriosis occurs when body tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus in other parts of the body, usually in the pelvis.

Health Minister Chris Picton said women had suffered “in silence” for too long.

“Endometriosis affects about one in seven women and can have a severe impact on quality of life, from their work to their fertility,” he said.

“This important inquiry will shine a light on endometriosis and ensure we are doing all we can to better support women across our state.”

For Ms Wallis, it was a “long path” to diagnosis.

“I was constantly in and out of doctors’ rooms, getting X-rays, ultrasounds and was even diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome,” she said.

“I constantly felt like I was being gaslit, with doctors telling me the pain couldn’t be that bad, it was all in my head.

“Those years were absolute hell. I had constant severe bleeding and nausea, and was bullied at school because I was in and out of hospital.

“People made up rumours I was pregnant, it took a massive mental toll. Being so young, you do start thinking ‘maybe they are right, maybe there’s something wrong with me.’

Health Minister Chris Picton said the government would do all it could to support women with endometriosis. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

“Eventually, after nothing was working and trying many different varieties of the pill, I was referred to a specialist and was lucky to get a laparoscopy.

“That was within five years. Now I know for most women it can take even longer to get a diagnosis.

“In 2019, I had a second surgery and met my new incredible specialist who I owe my life to. He was the first doctor to listen to me and believed me.”

Waite MP Catherine Hutchesson said the inquiry would also investigate what more needed to be done in research.

“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 said.

“I am proud to put your plight into the spotlight to achieve better outcomes for everyone impacted.”