More women and girls are being hospitalised for endometriosis, with new Australian data suggesting the increase may reflect growing awareness, improved diagnosis and better access to treatment.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, there were 24,700 hospital admissions for endometriosis in 2024–25. The hospitalisation rate has increased by 23 per cent over the past decade, compared with a 4.7 per cent increase in hospital admissions for women and girls overall.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body. It can cause severe pelvic pain, inflammation, adhesions and fertility problems.

Experts say the rise in hospitalisations is not necessarily a sign that the condition is becoming more common. Instead, increased public awareness and improvements in medical diagnosis may be helping more women receive appropriate care.

Around nine in 10 endometriosis-related hospitalisations involved a procedure, while seven in 10 admissions occurred in private hospitals.

The data also showed an increase in admissions where patients did not undergo a procedure. Experts suggest this could indicate greater access to hospital-based pain management for people experiencing severe symptoms.

However, specialists say treatment needs to go beyond surgery. Physiotherapy, pain management and psychological support can also play an important role in helping people living with chronic pelvic pain.

The growing recognition of endometriosis is a positive step but experts stress that more needs to be done to ensure women are listened to, diagnosed earlier and given access to comprehensive care