Clinic FAQs

Our services are available to any girl, female or person assigned female at birth experiencing persistent pelvic pain lasting more than six months. You do not need to have a diagnosis of endometriosis to access the service.

While there are not set age limits, our services are aimed at those who have commenced menstruation (i.e., started having periods).

Our clinic is located in Geelong, however we are able to provide services to anyone living in the Western Victoria region, with capacity for telehealth if required.

No, you can self-refer. All you need to do is complete the following online questionnaire and our team will be in contact within a few weeks https://kardiniahealth.snapforms.com.au/form/kardinia-health-persistent-pelvic-pain-and-endometriosis-clinic---intake-questionnaire

Our team will develop a personalised support plan for your unique needs by taking the time to hear your story, understand your priorities and offer you the knowledge and tools to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

These customised support plans encompass a range of treatments and services, which can be provided either onsite or at our affiliated allied health partners or trusted referral partners. Services may include:

1. Referral for investigations
2. Intrauterine device (IUD) insertions (Mirena/Kyleena)
3. Contraceptive advice and prescribing
4. Sexual health screening
5. Medication prescribing
6. Pelvic health physiotherapy
7. Pain education
8. Nutrition advice and modification
9. Psychology services, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR
10. Exercise plans
11. Grounding exercises and guidance with mindful practices
12. Lifestyle counselling
13. Group education sessions
14. Connection to peer support groups

Our team will also refer and work alongside experienced off-site allied health clinicians and gynaecologists/tertiary specialists as required to ensure comprehensive coverage of all aspects of health and well-being.

We also provide regular check-ins with our dedicated pelvic pain nurses, who offer ongoing support and assistance to overcome barriers to care.

We also offer online group education sessions for our patients– please see group sessions tab for more information

1. After completing your intake questionnaire, our team will be in touch within 2 weeks to book your first appointment with our dedicated pelvic pain nurse
2. At your nurse appointment, we will go over your questionnaire and gather necessary information in preparation for your GP appointment
3. At your GP ‘Connection and Planning’ appointment, wil will explore your symptoms and history in more detail to make a plan to address your symptoms
4. Enacting your personalised plan – this may involve a combination of group and one on one sessions based on your unique needs, with varying practitioners including dietitian, pelvic health physiotherapist, psychologist, pain educator and GP, alongside external referrals as required.
5. Ongoing nurse check ins – our pelvic pain nurse will check in with you via phone periodically to monitor progress and help address any obstacles to achieving your goals
6. Discharge – once you are linked with the right team and feel confident in your management plan we will discharge you from specialist nurse and GP support back to your regular GP (you are still welcome to see allied health providers as long as you need). 

Scientific evidence does not support the use of opioid medications for chronic pain. As such we do not prescribe opioids or drugs of dependence. If you are already on these medications, you will need to see your usual provider for your scripts

Out of pocket costs will vary depending on services and treatments recommended. An initial fee of $125 (or $100 for concession/health care card holders) covers your on-going nurse support and group education sessions. Your first long appointment with the GP will be bulk billed (no out of pocket costs).

Subsequent GP appointments will be billed according to the standard Kardinia Health rates (please contact reception for up to date fees) although bulk billing may be applicable under certain circumstances. Costs for allied health vary depending on the provider. In instances where Team Care Arrangements or GP Mental Health Care Plans are in effect, there may be subsidies available for allied health sessions.

If you have concerns about costs, our team can also discuss lower cost options/referrals with you.

We offer a range of appointment formats, including in-person consultations, telephone appointments, and video calls, to accommodate diverse needs and preferences. Please note some appointments require a face-to-face attendance in order to receive a medicare rebate.

There are several other clinics around the state/country who have also received funding to provide endometriosis services - see https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics for a complete list

We are a persistent pain service, focused on long term management. The clinic runs 2 days of the week so if you require immediate attention, please contact your regular GP or attend emergency if required.

We are a primary care service (i.e GPs and allied health). We are not a tertiary surgical service, but can refer onto surgical specialists where necessary.

Surgery is not always necessary, or first line treatment for pelvic pain. Many contributors to pelvic pain can be uncovered with thorough clinical assessment, and many therapies and treatments can be instituted (and relieve symptoms) without a formal laparoscopic diagnosis of endometriosis. Your team will discuss recommendations based on your specific symptoms and history.