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.

Research confirms what many patients have known for years: endometriosis is associated with significantly higher rates of insomnia, poor sleep quality, and daytime fatigue compared to those without the condition.

The words we use in endometriosis care can either build trust or cause harm. In this blog, clinician Jo shares how subtle shifts in language can help avoid medical gaslighting, validate lived experience, and foster safer, more compassionate care for people with endometriosis.