Medical trauma is more common than we think, and rarely talked about. In this post, Matilda psychologist Sophie Callen explores what medical trauma is, how it might show up in your life, and offers grounding tools, self-advocacy language, and healing strategies for moving forward.

Bladder and bowel dysfunction are frequently under-recognised components of the endometriosis experience, yet they are often among the most distressing.

Navigating uncertainty is one of the hardest parts of the endometriosis journey, especially when you’ve gone through the process of a laparoscopy and come out the other side without a clear diagnosis.

Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming- there’s so much to think about, both physically and emotionally. That’s where prehab and rehab come in. These simple, evidence-based strategies can make a real difference to how you recover and feel after surgery.

Matilda Health’s Beyond the Pain event in Broome brought together community and clinicians to discuss endometriosis and pelvic pain. We explored the gaps in care, the importance of pre- and post-surgery support, and how digital programs can improve recovery and connection in regional Australia.

Some days, just getting to an appointment feels like a huge effort. When my pain is bad, even sitting in the car can be exhausting, and by the time I arrive, I’m often too tired to fully take in the information or ask all my questions. And if I can’t make the trip at all, it means waiting longer for answers and delaying the care I need.

Living with endometriosis or pelvic pain, like many chronic conditions, means navigating ups and downs. Having a ready-to-go flare toolkit can make a huge difference. Instead of scrambling to cope or feeling confused when symptoms increase, you can reach for a curated set of tools to ease your body and support your mind.

Scars, bloating, and self-doubt- Anna shares how endometriosis shaped her body image and how she’s learning to love her body again, exactly as it is.

When it comes to endometriosis, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach and choosing to have surgery is a deeply personal decision. It’s not something I ever took lightly, and it’s not the only path to relief. But for me, at three different points in my journey, surgery felt like the right choice. Looking back, each of those decisions came from a place of wanting to protect my health and quality of life and I do not regret undergoing any of those procedures.

How can we improve women's health outcomes in regional WA? We spoke to Ellen Smith from the Triple R Network about access, endo care, and local connection.

When you live with endometriosis or persistent pelvic pain, it’s easy to feel like your body is working against you- especially when people don’t often discuss the pelvic area. And then you get referred to Pelvic Physiotherapy, and have no idea what to expect!

Many clients arrive at their first Pelvic Physiotherapy session feeling anxious. Some are scared it’s going to hurt and others are worried that something about their vulva, labia, or vagina isn’t “normal.” I’ve lost count of how many people have nervously asked: “Is it okay down there?” or whispered, “Sorry, I haven’t waxed…”

So let’s discuss this and clear things up- with kindness, facts, and zero shame.

If you live with endometriosis or persistent pelvic pain, you probably already know that pain doesn’t follow a neat, predictable schedule. Some days are manageable. Others are overwhelming. And many days fall somewhere in between.

Recovery from endometriosis surgery is about more than wound healing. It’s a delicate process of physical, emotional, and hormonal adjustment- especially in the first few weeks.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund, provided by the Western Australian Government Department of Health, and the Market Access Grant Scheme grant from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (now the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification). Their contributions helped us showcase our co-designed endometriosis surgery support program on the global stage at the World Congress on Endometriosis 2025.

Living with endometriosis can feel isolating. That’s why we created the Matilda Circle- a supportive, validating community where you’re seen, heard, and never alone.

I wanted to be the friend who said yes to every invite. The one who was always up for a spontaneous catch up or a last-minute trip. The one who could bounce back quickly, no matter what her body was going through.

Instead, I was constantly navigating a body I didn’t fully understand, symptoms I didn’t yet have language for, and a health system that often made me feel invisible. So, I learnt to perform—to act ‘normal’.

It’s one of the most common- yet least talked about- challenges of living with endometriosis: bowel symptoms.

Many people with endometriosis experience bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, pain with bowel movements, or a sensation of incomplete emptying. These symptoms can occur even without endometriosis directly affecting the bowel, because of the condition’s links with inflammation, nerve sensitisation, and pelvic floor dysfunction.

One of the most common questions I hear from patients is:
"Can I do Pilates if I have endometriosis?"

And the answer is: there is absolutely no rule against it.

Travelling with endo? It’s absolutely possible. Yes, you can still live your best life- whether it’s cocktails by the beach or hot chocolates in the mountains. The key? A bit of prep, some handy tricks, and listening to your body every step of the way.

Dating with endometriosis is a layered experience. It’s not just the nerves or the usual butterflies- it’s also the quiet calculations going on in the background. Will I be okay going out tonight? Should I mention the pain? What if I need to cancel at the last minute?