Synopsis

• Endometriosis impacts on all aspects of a woman’s life; physical, financial, relationship, emotional and mental health aspects.
  
  Recent Australian reports show that 1 in 9 women born between 1973-78 were diagnosed with the chronic inflammatory condition by age 40, indicating the significant prevalence of the disease, and short- and long-term impacts on hospitalisation rates, reduced participation in schooling, work and activities, and the role of long term management for this chronic condition. 
  
  Exercise Physiologists are well placed to provide support and management to women, helping manage both some of the acute (pain, fatigue, pelvic floor hypotonicity, incontinence gastrointestinal issues) symptoms and support engagement in physical activity and exercise whilst navigating the numerous barriers these clients may face. There is long established evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive–behaviour therapy and exercise in the management of chronic pain in the form of a multidisciplinary pain management program, as well as emerging evidence to support the anti-inflammatory effect of exercise. 
  
  More recently, the Australian Government have pledged funding to establish better diagnosis, management, and services for Endometriosis, providing an opportunity for increased exposure to exercise medicine to those at need. This presentation will outline the broader opportunities for Exercise Physiologists in Women’s Health, the latest research evidence in Endometriosis, and the practical application of this research into clinical practice.