Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain are often misdiagnosed, which is challenging for those living with the condition.

Clinical Nurse Teleah is making a profound impact on women’s healthcare in Biloela, supporting those with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. Through patient advocacy and education, she helps women understand their conditions and improve their quality of life.

“Many don’t consider these conditions as the cause of their pain, so it’s rewarding to advocate for these women, reducing diagnosis delays and improving outcomes,” says Teleah.

To better support her patients, Teleah is completing a Graduate Certificate in Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain through the Australian College of Nursing, supported by Endometriosis Australia and the Queensland Health Women and Girls Strategy 2032.

One in six Queenslanders are diagnosed with endometriosis or chronic pelvic pain before the age of 40, and the average diagnosis takes seven years. It's even longer in rural areas like Biloela.

Teleah’s commitment to education and advocacy is transforming care for women in her community. Thank you, Teleah, for your dedication to improving lives!

Common symptoms of endometriosis include:

• fatigue
• pain on or around your period and ovulation
• pain during or after sex
• pain with bowel movements
• pain when urinating
• trouble holding on when you have a full bladder or increased urgency
• heavy or irregular bleeding.

Chronic pelvic pain can be:

• serious and steady
• pain that comes and goes
• dull aching
• sharp pains or cramping
• pressure or heaviness deep within the pelvis
• similar to other symptoms of endometriosis.