GPs will be able to diagnose endometriosis based on symptoms under new clinical guidelines the Government says will end waits of up to 12 years for sufferers.
The changes, announced this afternoon by Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women's Minister Nicola Grigg, mean people with endometriosis would no longer need laparoscopic surgery to have the condition confirmed before starting treatment.
The guideline is expected to launch in mid-2027.
Endometriosis affects around one in 10 women and girls in New Zealand, and research shows a diagnosis can take eight to 12 years.
"That is far too long to wait for answers," Brown said.
"Part of the problem is laparoscopic surgery is usually used to confirm endometriosis, meaning women can spend years waiting for both diagnosis and treatment."
The chronic condition affects thousands of Kiwi women, causes severe pain, and can affect fertility. (Source: 1News)
The new guidelines would support GPs to make a clinical diagnosis based on a woman's symptoms, family history and examination, according to the Government.
"Once a clinical diagnosis is made, GPs will then be able to prescribe treatment immediately," the Health Minister said.
Grigg said the guidelines would be supported by training and education for providers, while Brown said the change would reduce hospital referrals for people with symptoms.
"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.
Australian researchers say successful detection of a panel of proteins is an "encouraging" development. (Source: 1News)
"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," he said in a media release.
Low-impact hormonal medication can be an effective option for many sufferers.
"Surgery will remain available for those who need it, but it will no longer be the only route to a diagnosis," Brown said.
Grigg said too many women had 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 NZ is developing training and resources so GPs can recognise endometriosis in order to make a diagnosis and start treatment," she said today.
"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 NZ is also exploring additional pain management support, including pain education and allied health services."
Brown said: "GPs are the cornerstone of our health system, and these guidelines give them the tools to do more for women closer to home.
New research has revealed people suffering from endometriosis are waiting nearly nine years on average for a diagnosis. (Source: 1News)
“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."
Health NZ was adapting the Australian Living Evidence Guideline on Endometriosis, working with the Royal Australian and NZ College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, other medical colleges, and Endometriosis NZ, according to Brown's office
The guideline was a comprehensive clinical resource based on the latest available evidence and is regularly updated as new evidence emerges.
"Adapting it allows New Zealand to benefit from that evidence base while ensuring the guidance is relevant to the New Zealand health system and population."
Health officials would develop online training and a webinar for primary care professionals, alongside GP education resource.
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