Posted by Article on 4/2/2002, 10:27 am

Endometriosis News from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research NOTE: The following articles appeared in succession the week of March 7, 2002. They are provided herein for information purposes only. All content copyright © 2002 by Australian Broadcasting Corporation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Researchers Hope Study Will Aid Endometriosis Breakthrough It is hoped a large scale study of women who have a painful pelvic condition responsible for about 50 per cent of female fertility problems, will lead to a breakthrough in more effective medication in the next five years. The Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) has already identified three genes responsible for endometriosis which affects about one in 10 women sometime during their reproductive years. Project head Dr Susan Treloar says researchers also want to examine possible environmental causes. "A lot of people are interested in environmental agents like dioxins which can act as environmental oestrogens in a sense," Dr Treloar said. "We're hoping to get a project underway to see if these environmental factors may be contributing to endometriosis." Thursday 7 March, 2002 8:56am AEDT © 2002 Australian Broadcasting Corporation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- QIMR to Conduct Endometriosis Study Doctors say new technologies are making it easier to diagnose the pelvic disorder of Endometriosis. The disease affects about one in 10 women and causes about 50 percent of female infertility. The Queensland Institute of Medical Research is now conducting one the biggest studies ever on the disease. Dr Denise Powell, from the Bundaberg Division of General Practice, says while management of the condition has improved, women in rural areas often do not have easy access to help. "When you know what you're dealing with, you can deal with it better and I do have a concern that women in rural areas may not have as great an access to that whole diagnostic and management process," she said. Monday 11 March, 2002 1:41pm AEDT © 2002 Australian Broadcasting Corporation.