Lady Parts 5
Endometriosis is costing women, and Australia, an estimated total of $9.7 billion per year, in medical bills and lost productivity, according to new research.
This is the average cost for every sufferer at $30,000 per year, both personally and to society.
Around 20-40% of the cost is directly within the health sector:
- Medications
- Doctors visits
- Assisted reproductive technology (eg IVF)
- Transport costs to get to appointments
Over 60-80% is due to a loss in productivity, either because of absenteeism or presenteeism (not being as productive as usual due to the sheer level of pain and discomfort).
Reducing the pain caused by endometriosis by 20% could essentially save Australia billions.
This condition affects more than 830,000 (more than 10%) of Australia’s women.
The symptoms are variable with the conditions easily getting overlooked or misdiagnosed for 7-12 years, with 1 out of 5 doctors missing the diagnosis.
At least 50% of patients suffer from fertility issues.
You would expect more research, education, awareness, investment and progress would be made in this field.
Yet how many men are oblivious to what endometriosis is?
This is not necessarily the men’s fault.
It is simply because the system is not putting this level of information out there.
You are not treated with care, respect or urgency.
This is not acceptable.