All too often, endometriosis has life-changing consequences beyond the extreme pain it causes.

In up to 50 per cent of cases, it can leave women infertile.

Surgery is the only way to remove the painful abdominal growths, but they often return and need further operations.

Dr Joel Castro is head of endometriosis research, Visceral Pain Group, in the Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology at SAHMRI. His research team is determined to find ways to control the pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.

“Our progress is promising and what we learn from this research could potentially lead to breakthroughs in pain management for other inflammatory diseases,” Castro explained.

“My team’s research has the potential to improve so many lives. It is in everyone’s interest to find new treatments for endometriosis and then a cure.

“But this area of medical research is incredibly underfunded.”

Castro’s project is one of hundreds at SAHMRI – South Australia’s independent not-for-profit health and medical research institute housed in the stunning “cheesegrater” building on North Terrace.

World-leading researchers are working every day in Adelaide to overcome the most common health conditions that affect everyone.

Heart disease, stroke, cancer, dementia, diabetes, mental health, arthritis, chronic pain and more – SAHMRI’s researchers are dedicated to discoveries that improve health and health care where it is needed most urgently.

Endometriosis affects twice as many women as diabetes, yet research investment into diabetes is 20 times greater.

Many women suffer in silence, and it can take an average of seven years to diagnose.

Dr Joel Castro’s research team includes Jess Maddern, who knows firsthand the challenges of endometriosis

Jess Maddern is a researcher on the team who is incredibly passionate about finding new painkilling treatments.

She has experienced this debilitating condition since she was a teenager.

“At the moment, surgery is the only way to end endometriosis pain—and this worked for me. But I will likely need more surgery because the lesions that cause the pain can grow back,” Jess said.

“I’m hopeful that a breakthrough will come soon but, as with any research, only time [and hard work] will tell.

“I’m determined to do everything I can to give women a future free from the agony of endometriosis.

“Research has been underfunded for so long, and we desperately need to catch up.”

Read more about SAHMRI research and how you support their mission to cure disease and save lives at sahmri.org.au