If your period pain regularly knocks you out, pelvic pain is creeping into everyday life, or you have quietly wondered, “Is this normal?” it is worth trusting that instinct. Endometriosis is common, but it’s also widely misunderstood, which means symptoms are often minimised, dismissed, or chalked up to being part of life.
The Monash IVF Group supports endometriosis care with a range of services like ultrasounds and specialists, Dr Jenny Cook, a fertility specialist, gynaecologist and advanced laparoscopic surgeon who consults from their Kogarah clinic. Appointments focus on understanding your symptoms, talking through options, and mapping out a practical plan, whether your priority is pain relief, answers, fertility planning, or all of the above.
What endometriosis actually is
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can affect areas such as the ovaries, pelvic ligaments, bladder and bowel, and can lead to inflammation, pain, scarring and adhesions.
Symptoms vary widely, and the level of pain does not always reflect the severity of the condition. Common signs can include painful periods that disrupt daily life, ongoing pelvic pain, pain during or after sex, bowel or bladder symptoms that feel cyclical, pain with ovulation, fatigue, and difficulty conceiving. Milder or intermittent symptoms do not rule it out.
In Australia, endometriosis is estimated to affect around one in seven women, and diagnosis can take time, with an average delay commonly reported as around 6 to 8 years between symptom onset and diagnosis.
Endometriosis, pelvic pain, and fertility
Pelvic pain is often multifactorial. Endometriosis may be part of the picture, but it may not be the only contributor, which is why a whole pelvic assessment matters.
Endometriosis also does not automatically mean infertility. Many women conceive naturally, and others conceive with the right support. Where fertility is affected, it can relate to changes in pelvic anatomy, reduced ovarian function, or inflammation that may influence egg quality or implantation.
What an appointment with Dr Jenny Cook can help with
When you have been living with pain, or navigating fertility questions, what most people want first is clarity. Dr Jenny Cook is known for her calm, thorough approach and for explaining options in a way that feels practical and easy to understand.
As a fertility specialist, gynaecologist and advanced laparoscopic surgeon, Dr Cook can support patients with both the diagnostic side of endometriosis and the treatment planning that often comes next. This can include investigating symptoms, reviewing imaging, discussing whether surgery is appropriate, and where needed, coordinating endometriosis management alongside fertility support through Monash IVF. Care is tailored around what matters to you right now, whether that is pain relief, preserving fertility, trying for a baby, or simply getting a clear plan forward.
Dr Cook is also Clinical Director of Monash IVF Bondi Junction, and her patients are supported by Monash IVF’s experienced team and laboratory.
Book with Dr Jenny Cook
Phone: (02) 9389 1177
Email: [email protected]
Clinic: Suite 1A, Level 1, 4 Belgrave Street, Kogarah NSW 2217
Website: https://drjennycook.com/
General information only, not medical advice. Please seek personalised care from a qualified health professional.
