Endometriosis is a largely undiagnosed and poorly understood disease experienced by about one in 10 people assigned female at birth.
The issue can lead to serious health problems and adverse impacts on quality of life, particularly for trans and gender diverse (TGD) people who can find it challenging to access care through a gynaecologist.
A team of University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) researchers aim to address this issue by developing a new framework to help medical professionals manage and treat endometriosis and associated pelvic pain for TGD patients.
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can negatively impact sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing in people who menstruate, often with significant comorbidity and adverse impacts on quality of life.
Project lead Dr Brianna Larsen said their research would help inform clinicians and allied health professionals with evidence-based, best-practice recommendations for therapeutic care and treatment planning.
“Seeking gynaecological care is often distressing for trans and gender diverse people who typically encounter a highly cisgendered environment and are required to educate their physician about TGD concerns and bodily matters,” Dr Larsen said.
“Current investigation and treatment for endometriosis is directed towards cis women and appears to differ from the lived experiences of TGD people significantly.
“We’re confident our research will lead to better access and greater TGD-affirming options for managing endometriosis in TGD patients.”
The project has been supported by a $78,000 grant through the Queensland Sexual Health Research Fund, an initiative of Queensland Health’s Sexual Health Ministerial Advisory Committee.
Dr Larsen’s project team includes UniSQ researchers Professor Amy Mullens, Professor Leah East, Associate Professor Annette Brömdal and Dr Daniel Brown.
They will partner with general practitioners and clinicians from the Gender Affirming Network Queensland.
