| Word/terms | Meaning |
|---|---|
| menstruation | menstruation |
| uterus (womb) | where babies grow in the tummy, located between bladder and bowel |
| pelvic pain | pain in lower tummy, below belly button; can be dull, aching, sharp, stabbing |
| emptying bowels | doing a poo |
| bowel pain | pain in the tummy before, during or after doing a poo or with gas/farting |
| passing wind | farting |
| bladder | holds urine before you do a wee, located behind the pubic bone |
| bladder pain | pain in lower tummy before, during or after doing a wee |
| painful sex | dull, sharp, aching or stabbing pain before, during or after sex |
| Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) or vaginismus | tight vaginal muscles that make it difficult to insert anything into the vagina (such as a tampon, finger, penis or speculum) |
| diagnosis | the identification of an illness (usually by a doctor/health professional) |
| Not Applicable or N/A | this doesn’t apply to me |
| Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill | the combined oral contraceptive pill ( COCP ) – is often referred to as ‘the pill’. It contains the hormones oestrogen and progesterone ‘combined’ to stop the ovary from releasing an egg at ovulation, with the aim of preventing pregnancy (contraception). In addition to preventing pregnancy the COCP can be used to reduce period pain, symptoms and heavy bleeding. It can also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle. |
| mittelschmerz | a sharp or achy, short-lasting mid-cycle pain that can occur monthly with ovulation, when the egg (ovum) is released from the ovary. This pain does not usually require medical attention. |
| specialised pelvic physiotherapist | a physiotherapist who has additional training and qualifications specialising in the health and functioning of the pelvic area (the area below your belly button). |
| dysmenorrhoea | the medical term or word that doctors use to describe painful menstrual periods |
HELPFUL WEBSITES
- Jean Hailes Foundation – helpful information about menstrual periods and other women’s health conditions (including endometriosis).
- EndoZone – A co-designed, evidenced-based website for period pain, pelvic pain and endometriosis. It aims to assist people understand and identify their symptoms, self-manage and consult appropriate health practitioners that can help depending on which symptoms are most problematic.
- QENDO – advocates for those affected by endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, infertility or pelvic pain across Australia and New Zealand. Includes access to tools and resources for management.
- Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia – information about painful periods and other conditions that cause pain in the pelvis. In particular, pelvic muscle pain – access from ‘Stabbing Pain’ button. New book ‘Endometriosis and pelvic pain for teens’ by Dr Susan Evans.
- ‘What about me?’ – information and resources for young people about periods and looking after your menstrual health. Includes endometriosis and other conditions.
- Endo Active – free videos and resources about different aspects of endometriosis and pelvic pain. Includes patient stories and blogs.
- Endometriosis Australia – offers resources to help manage endometriosis
- Reach out – A safe place for young people to chat anonymously, get support and feel better. Includes free support for parents of teens.
- Global Forum for Endometriosis – information about endometriosis management and research.
HELP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
- Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Clinic – Endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics – GP and nurse-led clinics to assist the management of period pain, pelvic pain and endometriosis.
- The Junction Youth Health Service – for people aged 12-25 years who live in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), (and some areas of NSW), who may not have carer support to access medical care (free with a Medicare card). Service includes GPs and nurses, youth work support and outreach services. This service is run by Anglicare.
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Other help options – search online for services in your state/territory or local area that provide free/low cost health services for 12-25 year olds. Other options include school nurses, university medical centres, reproductive and sexual health services, women’s health GPs and bulk billing doctors.