Our History

The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia (PPFA) is a registered not-for-profit charity established in January 2015 by Dr Susan Evans, Ms Kathy Allen, Ms Donna Benge, and Dr Meredith Craigie. PPFA was founded to drive education, advocacy, and research in pelvic pain, recognising its widespread impact on girls, women, and men. 

The need for a dedicated organisation representing people with pelvic pain was first identified at the National Pain Summit held at Parliament House, Canberra, in 2010. This landmark event shaped Australia’s first National Pain Strategy, addressing pain management nationwide. However, it became clear that the unique challenges faced by those with pelvic pain were largely overlooked. 

In response, the Pelvic Pain Steering Committee, in collaboration with Pain Australia and the Faculty of Pain Medicine, set out to fill this gap. Their 2011 report, The $6 Billion Woman and the $600 Million Girl: The Pelvic Pain Report, provided a comprehensive assessment of the barriers to effective pelvic pain diagnosis, treatment, and care. It consulted extensively with health professionals and individuals living with pelvic pain, outlining key policy and service shortcomings while offering recommendations for systemic change. 

Since then, awareness of pelvic pain in men has also grown, reinforcing the urgent need for better education, research, and support. The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia has taken on the challenge of implementing these recommendations, advocating for improved services, and ensuring that individuals of all ages and genders receive the care they deserve.