Starting the Conversation about Barriers for Endometriosis Care in Regional Areas: An Autoethnographic Perspective

Abstract

Endometriosis is a debilitating disease that primarily affects females. Although endometriosis is common, there are unique social barriers for regional Australian females that impact access to a diagnosis and treatment within the medical system. Barriers include gender bias, regional location and healthcare accessibility. Through feminist autoethnography, in this policy, practice, and perspective article, the authors discuss the lived experience of a regional female social worker and researcher with endometriosis as a case study example to analyse the social issues that create barriers to accessing healthcare treatment. Through autoethnography, the authors aim to inform social workers of endometriosis, advocate for increased social work practice with females suffering endometriosis, and identify directions for social work research regarding diverse females’ experiences obtaining an endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. IMPLICATIONS: Endometriosis is a complex disease with biopsychosocial implications that should be of concern for social workers. Social work can play a critical role in working with, and advocating for, patients with endometriosis. Social work-driven research is vital to ensure that females’ lived experiences of endometriosis can shape practice and policy responses.