Persistent Pelvic Pain in Australia

The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people with pelvic pain and the health professionals who support them. Through education and advocacy, we strive to build a healthier, more informed, and productive community. 

Pelvic Pain affects 1 in 5 women and 1 in 12 men at some time in their life – yet it is a condition that is rarely discussed.  As most types of pelvic pain cannot be diagnosed with blood tests or scans, it is common for people with this problem to suffer from pelvic pain for years before finding the help they need.  It is estimated that over 300 million people world-wide suffer from pelvic pain, and anecdotal evidence suggests this number is understated and growing rapidly. 

Persistent pelvic pain is easily misunderstood – some even deny its existence. But for those people who live with pain every day, it can be a debilitating human affliction worthy of much more attention than is currently being provided. Endometriosis alone costs Australia 7.4 billion dollars a year with an estimated lifetime value burden of $129,993 for one woman with endometriosis (Ernst and Young 2019 report). 

The persistent and underreported nature of pelvic pain in Australia drives our passion for education and advocacy. Too often, those experiencing pelvic pain struggle to find answers, and healthcare professionals have limited opportunities to access specialised training in this area. At the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia, we see this as an opportunity to bridge the gap through high-quality professional development and evidence-based education. Our subscribership model provides ongoing continued professional development (CPD) for health professionals, including bi-monthly CPD sessions, access to clinical resources, and an annual seminar featuring national and international experts. At the same time, our PPEP Talk® program ensures young people receive accurate, age-appropriate education to help them understand their bodies and recognise when to seek help. By empowering both clinicians and the next generation, we aim to reduce delays in diagnosis, improve treatment outcomes, and create a future where pelvic pain is better understood, managed, and treated.