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Push for Specialist Endometriosis Education in NSW Public High Schools - Sydney, NSW
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A parliamentary petition calling for specialist endometriosis education in NSW public high schools has attracted more than 1,700 signatures, as health advocates push for earlier awareness of pelvic pain.
A new push is underway to expand specialist endometriosis education across New South Wales public high schools, with advocates arguing that teenagers need clearer information about periods, pelvic pain and the symptoms associated with endometriosis.
The issue was highlighted in a report published on September 26, 2026, after a parliamentary petition calling for state funding for specialist endometriosis education gained more than 1,700 signatures. The petition is seeking the expansion of an existing education program into NSW public high schools.
Endometriosis is a condition that can cause significant pelvic pain and other symptoms. The ABC report states that it affects about one in seven Australian girls and women. For teenagers, recognising symptoms can be difficult because menstrual pain is sometimes treated as a normal part of growing up, potentially making it harder for young people to know when they should seek medical advice.
The Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Program, known as PPEP Talk, has been delivered to teenagers for almost four years. The program provides information about periods, pelvic pain and endometriosis and gives students an opportunity to discuss questions with educators.
The program currently operates in independent and Catholic schools around Australia and in government schools in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Advocates are calling for similar specialist education to be made available across NSW public high schools.
The NSW Department of Education is also preparing its own pelvic health and endometriosis education program. According to the report, the department plans to launch the program next year to provide support for teachers discussing the condition with students.
Supporters of the petition argue that specialist educators can make conversations about menstrual health easier for students. They say some teenagers may feel uncomfortable discussing personal health issues with their regular teachers, particularly when the subject involves reproductive health.
A peer-reviewed 2022 study cited by the ABC found that discomfort around menstrual health could affect some teachers' confidence when teaching puberty and menstruation. Advocates say specialist programs could provide another way for students to receive age-appropriate information.
The issue is particularly relevant in regional NSW, where access to specialist pelvic-pain services can involve significant travel. A Wagga Wagga clinician told the that some women in the region travel between 200 and 300 kilometres each way to access care. She argued that greater awareness among younger people could help encourage earlier attention to persistent symptoms.
The NSW parliamentary petition remains open, while the state government's planned education resources are expected to provide another pathway for improving awareness in schools.
The discussion is focused on helping students understand menstrual health, recognising symptoms that may require medical attention and improving access to information about endometriosis and pelvic pain.
EndometriosisEducationSchoolsSpecialistHealth
A new push is underway to expand specialist endometriosis education across New South Wales public high schools, with advocates arguing that teenagers need clearer information about periods, pelvic pain and the symptoms associated with endometriosis.
The issue was highlighted in a report published on September 26, 2026, after a parliamentary petition calling for state funding for specialist endometriosis education gained more than 1,700 signatures. The petition is seeking the expansion of an existing education program into NSW public high schools.
Endometriosis is a condition that can cause significant pelvic pain and other symptoms. The ABC report states that it affects about one in seven Australian girls and women. For teenagers, recognising symptoms can be difficult because menstrual pain is sometimes treated as a normal part of growing up, potentially making it harder for young people to know when they should seek medical advice.
The Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Program, known as PPEP Talk, has been delivered to teenagers for almost four years. The program provides information about periods, pelvic pain and endometriosis and gives students an opportunity to discuss questions with educators.
The program currently operates in independent and Catholic schools around Australia and in government schools in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Advocates are calling for similar specialist education to be made available across NSW public high schools.
The NSW Department of Education is also preparing its own pelvic health and endometriosis education program. According to the report, the department plans to launch the program next year to provide support for teachers discussing the condition with students.
Supporters of the petition argue that specialist educators can make conversations about menstrual health easier for students. They say some teenagers may feel uncomfortable discussing personal health issues with their regular teachers, particularly when the subject involves reproductive health.
A peer-reviewed 2022 study cited by the ABC found that discomfort around menstrual health could affect some teachers' confidence when teaching puberty and menstruation. Advocates say specialist programs could provide another way for students to receive age-appropriate information.
The issue is particularly relevant in regional NSW, where access to specialist pelvic-pain services can involve significant travel. A Wagga Wagga clinician told the that some women in the region travel between 200 and 300 kilometres each way to access care. She argued that greater awareness among younger people could help encourage earlier attention to persistent symptoms.
The NSW parliamentary petition remains open, while the state government's planned education resources are expected to provide another pathway for improving awareness in schools.
The discussion is focused on helping students understand menstrual health, recognising symptoms that may require medical attention and improving access to information about endometriosis and pelvic pain.
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