Source: New Zealand Government
Women and girls with endometriosis will be able to receive a diagnosis and start treatment sooner under new clinical guidelines, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg say.
“Endometriosis affects around one in 10 women and girls in New Zealand, and can have a significant impact on their quality of life, education, employment, and wellbeing. Yet research shows it can take eight to 12 years to receive a diagnosis in New Zealand. That is far too long to wait for answers,” Mr Brown says.
“Part of the problem is that laparoscopic surgery is usually used to confirm endometriosis, meaning women can spend years waiting for both diagnosis and treatment.
“The new guidelines will change that by supporting GPs to make a clinical diagnosis based on a woman’s symptoms, family history, and examination, rather than requiring surgery to confirm it. Once a clinical diagnosis is made, GPs will then be able to prescribe treatment immediately.”
For up to 60 per cent of women, low-impact hormonal medication is an effective option.
“Surgery will remain available for those who need it, but it will no longer be the only route to a diagnosis. Instead, women will be able to access non-invasive first-line treatment in primary care.”
Ms Grigg says the guidelines will be supported by training and education for primary care providers.
“Earlier diagnosis depends on symptoms being recognised in the first place, and we hear all too often that they have not been,” Ms Grigg says.
“Too many women have spent years saying something is wrong, only to be told their pain is normal and something they simply have to put up with. It is not.
“Guidelines alone will not fix that, which is why Health New Zealand is developing training and resources so GPs can recognise endometriosis in order to make a diagnosis and start treatment.
“Earlier diagnosis means treatment can begin sooner, while also giving women an explanation for symptoms they may have lived with for years, along with the support they need to manage them. Health New Zealand is also exploring additional pain management support, including pain education and allied health services.
“Endometriosis is an issue raised with me often, and I am so pleased women and girls will now be able to get answers and treatment sooner.”
Mr Brown says the change will also have benefits across the wider health system.
“By enabling more women to be diagnosed and treated in primary care, we can reduce hospital referrals made simply to confirm what symptoms already indicate.
“That means specialists can focus on women who need specialist assessment or surgery – making better use of our hospital resources and reducing pressure on gynaecology services.
“It is also about backing primary care. GPs are the cornerstone of our health system, and these guidelines give them the tools to do more for women closer to home.
“We are focused on fixing the basics and building the future. These new guidelines will support earlier recognition, diagnosis, and treatment, helping thousands of New Zealand women get the care they need sooner.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/ending-the-decade-long-wait-for-an-endometriosis-diagnosis/