Written by Taylor Sanders – CBR Gals Co Chair for the Accessibility Subcommittee
We need to have a chat about something that affects way too many people but still somehow gets brushed off like it’s no big deal – endometriosis. If you’ve ever had a doctor tell you that your life-ruining, can’t stand-up-straight, curled-up-on-the-bathroom-floor period pain is “just part of being a woman,” congratulations! You’ve been medically gaslit. And honestly? That nonsense needs to stop.
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, Which means it’s time to bust some myths, demand better healthcare, and maybe – just maybe – get the world to stop acting like debilitating pain is anything less than a serious medical issue.
So What is Endometriosis Anyway?
Endometriosis (or as I like to call it, the uninvited guest that ruins lives) happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining decides to pack its bags and set up camp outside the uterus. This rogue tissue can show up on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even places it has no business being, like the bladder, intestines, and lungs! And because it still acts like uterine tissue, it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with every cycle – except there’s no exit strategy. This all leads to chronic inflammation, scarring, and pain that makes one want to fight the universe.
Signs you might have Endo (and not “just Bad Periods”)
- Severe pelvic pain (especially during menstruation – because suffering is apparently a full time job)
- Pain during intercourse (Because why not make things more fun)
- Heavy or irregular periods (Who doesn’t love a good surprise bleed?)
- Digestive issues (Bloating, Nausea, and IBS? A package deal! 🙃)
- Fatigue (Chronic pain = exhaustion.)
- Infertility (Endo doesn’t just mess with your daily life – it can also affect fertility.)
And yet, despite all of these symptoms, people with endo are still told that their pain is “normal.” That outdated mindset is exactly why advocacy and education matter.
Why Is This a Feminist Issue?
Let’s be real-if a condition that caused this much suffering primarily affected men, we’d probably have a cure by now. But instead, endometriosis remains underfunded, under-researched, and frequently dismissed. The average diagnosis takes seven years (yes, seven), during which patients are often told they’re exaggerating, seeking attention, or just need to “tough it out.”
We’re not having it.
Endo doesn’t just impact periods-it affects relationships, careers, mental health, and finances. Surgeries, treatments, and lost workdays add an unfair burden to those who are already suffering. It’s time for earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and a healthcare system that actually listens.
Ok So What Can We Do About It?
Hold Media Accountable (starting with Triple M)
Misinformation about endo isn’t just annoying-it’s harmful. Case in point: On February 25, 2025, former Triple M host Marty Sheargold went on air and casually said “god, don’t ladies carry on. Jesus christ, there is no end of it. honestly . endometriosis. And this is controversial .. endometriosis is made up”
…Excuse me, what?!
This is not only medically inaccurate-it’s actively damaging to the nearly one million Australians living with this chronic disease. And yet, despite backlash, Triple M has yet to correct or retract this misinformation. The podcast episode in question, No One IS Safe, remains publicly available.
We refuse to let that slide.
CBR Gals Network is calling on Triple M to:
Acknowledge the inaccuracy of Sheargold’s remarks and the harm caused.
Remove the podcast episode to prevent further spread of false information.
Use their platform to spread awareness throughout March for Endometriosis Awareness Month.
“As a major media outlet, Triple M has a responsibility to correct the false claims they have broadcasted and to use their influence for good,” says Taylor Sanders, a CBR Gals Board member and spokesperson. “Endometriosis is real. It is debilitating. And dismissing it as ‘made up’ only reinforces the barriers to proper diagnosis and care that so many people already face.”
Want to help? Join us in demanding accountability by contacting Triple M directly and urging them to do the right thing.
Fun fact! Southern Cross Austereo (the parent company of Triple M) announced a charity partnership with Endometriosis Australia as part of the ‘SCA Embrace campaign’ in January of 2024… Not a good look SCA! 🫤
- Educate Yourself and Others
The more we talk about endometriosis, the less stigma surrounds it. Learn the signs, share them with friends, and call out misinformation when you see it. - Support Advocacy and Research
Organisations like Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre at Epworth are doing incredible work to improve care and fund research into better treatments. Consider donating, volunteering, or simply sharing their work. - Show Up for Awareness Events
Endometriosis Awareness Month is a great time to attend local or virtual events that raise funds and educate communities. The more visibility this issue gets, the harder it is to ignore.
Listen and believe
If someone in your life is struggling with endo, believe them. Offer support. Validate their pain. Because trust me-if they say it’s bad, it’s bad.
Final Thoughts, No More Suffering In Silence.
At CBR Gals Network, we believe that women’s pain deserves attention, research, and solutions. The more we push for awareness and change, The closer we get to a future where endo is diagnosed early, treated effectively, and – one day- cured.
And we’re not waiting another seven years to make it happen.
Lets make sure that in 2025 and beyond, this conversation doesn’t end with March.
Adorkable Nerd Stuff: Bibliography
& Sources for Further Reading
- Epworth HealthCare – Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre
- Endometriosis Awareness Month
- Available at: https://www.epworth.org.au/our-services/endometriosis-centre/endometriosis-awareness-month
- Endometriosis Australia
- What is Endometriosis?
- Available at: https://www.endometriosisaustralia.org/
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
- Understanding Endometriosis
- Available at: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis
- Australian Government – National Action Plan for Endometriosis
- Endometriosis in Australia: Policy & Advocacy
- Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-action-plan-for-endometriosis
- SCA Embrace Partnership with Endometriosis Australia
- Including quotes from SCA
- Available at: https://endometriosisaustralia.org/sca-embrace-announces-new-charity-partnerships-with-endometriosis-australia
Further Reading & Support Resources:
- Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia
- Available at: https://www.pelvicpain.org.au/
- QUENDO (Queensland Endometriosis Association)
- Available at: https://www.qendo.org.au/
- EndoActive Australia & NZ
- Available at: https://www.endoactive.org.au/
Tay is Co Chair of the CBR Gals, Accessibility Sub Committee and a passionate advocate for accessibility and women’s rights. She has a background in admin, finance, configuration management and is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for all. In her free time, She can be found chasing after her two energetic sons, Painting, or plotting ways to make the world a kinder place – one conversation at a time.