Diagnosis and Management of Endometriosis in New Zealand

Endometriosis is a condition that affects up to 1 in 10 women and girls. The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, which can be severe. Other symptoms include bowel problems, painful intercourse, sub-fertility or infertility, and abnormal menstrual bleeding.

Delayed diagnosis is a significant problem for those with endometriosis and leads to delays in appropriate management.

This publication aims to improve the diagnosis and management of endometriosis in New Zealand in primary and secondary health care through:

• early recognition of symptoms suspicious of endometriosis
• empowering primary health care practitioners to make a suspected diagnosis and commence management
• an appropriately trained, multidisciplinary workforce in secondary and tertiary care
• improved equity of access and health outcomes for patients.

While not a formal clinical guideline, it provides a consensus view of best-practice principles.

It was developed by a taskforce of representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP), the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FPMANZCA), Endometriosis New Zealand and those who live with endometriosis.