Introduction

For years, countless women like Katrina Moore have battled the debilitating effects of endometriosis, a condition that afflicts over one million women in Australia alone. Moore’s journey spanned 15 painful years, during which she frequently found herself unable to walk, all while her pleas for help were dismissed as merely stress-related symptoms by medical professionals.

Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, leading not only to severe pelvic pain but also to complications such as infertility. Despite years of seeking assistance for fatigue, pain, and reproductive issues, it wasn’t until the age of 40 that Moore finally received a formal diagnosis of endometriosis.

Advocacy and Diagnosis

“I felt like I was medically gaslit,” Moore explains. “Women’s pain has historically been trivialized, and learning to advocate for myself became crucial.”

Discovering Botox as a Treatment Option

Following a laparoscopy in 2021 and a hysterectomy in 2022, Moore discovered a groundbreaking treatment option at the beginning of 2025: Botox, a product more commonly associated with cosmetic procedures. After successfully using Botox to alleviate pain from temporomandibular disorder (TMD), Moore wondered if similar injections could relieve her pelvic pain.

A Breakthrough with Botox

After researching this innovative treatment, she found that her gynecologist offered Botox injections specifically for pelvic pain. Though her pelvic floor physiotherapist had reservations about this relatively new approach, Moore decided to pursue it. The results, she describes, have been nothing short of life-changing.

Individual Experience

“I’ve transitioned from enduring constant pain every day to experiencing only a couple of tough days each month,” Moore shares, noting a significant reduction in her reliance on pain medication. “I can finally go to bed and sleep without needing an arsenal of painkillers and a hot water bottle.”

Expert Insight

Dr. Albert Jung, a leading gynecologist at Brisbane's Mater Private Hospital and the physician overseeing Moore's treatment, has begun administering these injections to women grappling with endometriosis-related pain. Using Dysport, a cost-effective alternative to Botox, Dr. Jung has treated around 40 women. Both treatments involve botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin that temporarily immobilizes muscles and diminishes pain sensation.

Research and Efficacy

“This technique has been around for about a decade, but research supporting its effectiveness dates back 20 years,” Dr. Jung confirms. “The data indicates it can significantly help women suffering from persistent pelvic pain, with effects lasting up to six months.”

Mechanism of Action

The injection targets overactive pelvic floor muscles, which often comprise a secondary complication of endometriosis. Dr. Jung highlights the treatment's low-risk profile and superior outcomes compared to repeated surgical interventions, asserting its efficacy when paired with ongoing pelvic physiotherapy.

Government Support

In a sign of progress, the Albanese government recently announced plans to subsidize endometriosis treatment. Previously, patients faced an average annual expense of $750 for medical care—an often devastating financial burden. With over $107 million earmarked for research and treatment options, Moore finds hope in the government finally recognizing the economic and emotional toll of this disease.

Conclusion

Reflecting on her own expenses, Moore notes, “I've spent six figures on treatment in the past seven years. The $500 out-of-pocket cost for Botox treatment is relatively affordable and far less invasive than other options.” As more women discover the transformative effects of Botox for managing endometriosis symptoms, there’s a glimmer of hope that this once-misunderstood condition may finally gain the attention it deserves in both medical communities and public discourse.