Associate ProfessorLeesa Van Niekerk

Persistent Pelvic Pain (PPP) is pain felt in the pelvis (below the umbilicus), on most days, for six months or more. It affects one in five women in Australia and can involve a complex array of symptoms and pain drivers. Validating a patient's pain experience, developing a therapeutic relationship, identifying pain drivers and pain centralisation are key factors in holistic primary care. With an evidence based, practical, approach general practitioners can become up-skilled to be confident and competent in whole-self care of women suffering persistent pelvic pain.

Endometriosis Australia and Endometriosis Worldwide March present an online symposium discussing endometriosis and fertility. Our incredible speakers will be shining a spotlight on the challenges and options for people with endometriosis who want to start or grow their family. Speakers include Kendall Gilding (Endometriosis Australia Ambassador), Associate Professor Anusch Yazdani (Medical Director of Endometriosis Australia), Dr Leesa Van Niekerk (Clinical Psychologist), and lived experience couples Christie Whelan & Rohan Browne and Bianca Zouppas & Mike Goldman.

Leesa will discuss how living with persistent pelvic pain influences a person’s overall quality of life, psychological wellbeing, and self-concept. She will highlight ways in which clinicians can work from a person-centred approach to address the personal, physical, and social changes associated with living with persistent pelvic pain. The presentation will include information regarding fear associated with pelvic examinations, avoidance of care, and therapeutic frameworks for working with persistent pelvic pain. This session is a must for any mental health worker or clinician who is working with women and people presumed female at birth. Our session will involve a short presentation, followed by a conversational and interactive session where you will have opportunities to reflect on your practice and ask questions.

Chair

Family Planning TAS

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Member

UNSW Sydney, University of New South Wales

AGES XXXIII Annual Scientific Meeting 2023

Australasian Interdisciplinary Researchers in Endometriosis (AIRE)

Jean Hailes

University of Adelaide

Endometriosis Australia