Australian study calls for international endometriosis guidelines

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 21:33 · Archive

An Australian-led study has called for international guidelines on endometriosis treatment after a global analysis found many countries have none. The University of Queensland study, released on Wednesday evening, found that one quarter of global endometriosis guidelines were not informed by adolescents, despite symptoms and diagnostic delays beginning in teenage years.

Melbourne woman Konstandina Karavias spent seven years, saw nine different health practitioners and made more than 20 doctor visits before receiving an endometriosis diagnosis. At 12 she suspected her heavy bleeding was not normal. At 13 she developed an ovarian cyst the size of a tennis ball, which ruptured after a GP refused to give her an ultrasound, telling her she was too young and likely overexaggerating. She was given painkillers to manage symptoms but was not referred to a gynaecologist.

Ms Karavias said GPs told her to take birth control or 'consider suffering', and when she raised concerns about future fertility, one doctor told her not to worry as she was 'most likely infertile anyway'. In June this year, aged 19, she was finally referred to a gynaecologist and had surgery after an ultrasound revealed she had immobile ovaries adhered to her uterus. Ms Karavias attributed the delays in her diagnosis to ageism and lack of understanding of endometriosis among health professionals, calling for more training across all healthcare providers.

How it is being reported

• Teens 'begging' for endometriosis support, guidelinesAn Australian-led study has called for international guidelines on endometriosis treatment after a global analysis found many countries have none.Perth Now · 14 Oct, 21:03
• Teens 'begging' for endometriosis support, guidelinesAn Australian-led study has called for international guidelines on endometriosis treatment after a global analysis found many countries have none.The West Australian · 14 Oct, 21:03

In this story: Konstandina Karavias · University of Queensland · Melbourne

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