Dr Sharon Vasey
Specialist General Practitioner Women's Health | Medical Educator
Dr Sharon Vasey sees patients at Elara Women's Health, Joondalup.
Comprehensive Endometriosis Care
Expert diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and compassionate support for women living with endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain.
Table Of Contents
Specialised Endometriosis Care at Elara
Endometriosis is a complex condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women. At Elara Women's Health, we understand that living with endometriosis can be challenging, affecting not just your physical health but also your emotional well-being, relationships, work, and quality of life.
Our doctors take the time to provide thorough assessments, accurate diagnoses, and individualised, evidence-based treatment plans. We work collaboratively with our multidisciplinary team to address all aspects of endometriosis care.
Diagnosis & Investigation
What Is Normal Period Pain?
Painful periods can be normal, but they can also be a symptom of endometriosis. Signs that your period pain may not be normal include:
- Period pain lasting more than 1-2 days
- Pain that doesn't improve with the contraceptive pill
- Pelvic pain occurring most days, even when not menstruating
- Pain starting a week before your period
- Pain interfering with day-to-day functioning
- Needing to take days off work or stay in bed due to pain
If this sounds like you, it's worth getting investigated.
Our Diagnostic Approach
Our doctors at Elara will take a careful history and examination, followed by appropriate investigation. Endometriosis can sometimes be undetectable on a routine transvaginal ultrasound scan, and more specialised scanning may be required.
Specialist Referrals When Needed
Sometimes it is helpful to be referred to a gynaecologist to confirm diagnosis when it remains uncertain, when response to first and second-line treatment has failed, or where laparoscopic excision of endometriosis lesions may help manage symptoms or improve fertility.
It's important, especially in cases of complex or deep infiltrating endometriosis, that the gynaecologist is experienced in advanced laparoscopic surgery to improve outcomes. We can guide you through this process and help you choose the right specialist.
Patient Resource: The Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery Society (AGES) provides helpful information on how to choose your specialist gynaecologist and questions to ask your referring doctor and gynaecologist.
Symptoms & Management Strategies
If you're living with endometriosis, you may be experiencing far more than just painful periods. Many women with endometriosis also struggle with bowel symptoms, bladder issues, painful sex, pelvic floor tension, fatigue, and mood changes. These symptoms are real, they're connected, and they deserve comprehensive treatment.
Understanding the full picture of how endometriosis affects your body is the first step toward effective management. Here, we've outlined the most common symptoms associated with endometriosis and the range of treatment options available. Our goal is to help you understand what's happening in your body and empower you with knowledge about the evidence-based treatments that can help.
Period Pain Management
Effective pain management is a crucial part of endometriosis care. There are several treatment options available that can significantly improve your quality of life.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory medication in an appropriate dosage can be helpful for period and pelvic pain, including:
- Diclofenac suppositories
- Naproxen
- Mefenamic acid
Hormonal Treatments
There are several different hormonal treatments that can be tried, including:
- The contraceptive pill – First-line hormonal treatment
- Progestogens – Such as Visanne and Slinda
- Mirena IUCD – Localised hormonal treatment
- Ryeqo – For cases where other treatments are ineffective. This modern treatment switches off your cycle and adds back estrogen and progesterone to protect your bones
Our doctors will work with you to find the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Endometriosis often co-exists with irritable bowel syndrome, and as bowel pain is felt low in the abdomen, it can be confusing to work out which is the main pain culprit. There may be other symptoms too such as constipation and/or diarrhea and bloating.
Treatment Options
There are several treatments that can be helpful:
- Low-dose amitriptyline
- Peppermint oil
- Iberogast
Dietary Modifications
Simple dietary changes can make a significant difference:
- Reducing fatty or spicy foods
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol
- Following a low FODMAP diet
How we can help: Our doctors at Elara can help with diagnosing IBS and providing appropriate treatment. Our dietitian Melissa can also assist with identifying typical problem foods, and a 2-week trial of eliminating these foods can be helpful.
Painful Sex (Dyspareunia)
Painful sex is common in endometriosis and may be due to deep endometriotic deposits, but it may also be due to tight pelvic floor muscles. Our doctors can perform a sensitive examination to determine the cause of the problem, which can then be managed appropriately.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment may involve:
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy – Referral to one of our specialised physiotherapists
- Medications – Low-dose duloxetine or amitriptyline
- Vaginal diazepam suppository (5mg) – During flare-ups
- Botox injection to the pelvic floor – In some cases, this can be helpful. Our doctors will refer to our pain specialist colleague for this treatment.
We understand how distressing painful sex can be and approach this sensitive issue with compassion and expertise.
Painful Bladder Syndrome
Women with pelvic pain often have another type of bladder irritation called either interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome. This can cause pain when the bladder is full or symptoms like a urinary tract infection (e.g., frequency or urgency of urination).
Dietary Modifications
There can be some dietary changes that can help painful bladder syndrome:
- Excluding citrus fruits and juices
- Avoiding diet cola drinks
- Reducing bladder irritants
Medications
Helpful medications include:
- Low-dose amitriptyline
- Mirabegron
- Oxybutynin
These medications help to relax the bladder and reduce symptoms.
Bladder First Aid: Our doctors can also advise on 'bladder first aid' strategies during a flare-up of painful bladder syndrome to help you manage symptoms effectively.
Systemic Symptoms: "Feeling Bad"
Endometriosis can often be associated with feelings of nausea, sweats, anxiety, low mood, and fatigue. These symptoms can significantly impact your daily life and overall wellbeing.
Comprehensive Assessment
Our doctors can exclude any other conditions that may be causing these symptoms, such as:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Other hormonal imbalances
Naturopathic Support
Our naturopath Tracy can suggest helpful supplements and address contributing lifestyle factors to support your overall health and energy levels. This may include nutritional support, herbal medicine, and strategies to support mitochondrial function and reduce fatigue.
Pelvic Muscle Upregulation
It is common in persistent pelvic pain for the pelvic floor muscles to become tense and upregulated. This then contributes further to pelvic and low back pain and can also cause problems with bladder/bowel function and painful sex.
Assessment & Treatment
Our doctors will do a gentle and careful pelvic floor examination to assess whether this is the issue and can then organise a referral to one of our pelvic floor physiotherapists.
Physiotherapy support includes:
- Specialised treatment to release pelvic floor tension
- Teaching exercises and helpful stretches
- Education on pelvic floor down-regulation techniques
- Guidance on activities to avoid during flare-ups
This trauma-informed approach ensures you feel safe and supported throughout your treatment.
Understanding Complex Endometriosis
Endometriosis can be a complex disorder. Chronic pain can lead to central pain sensitisation, which results in a heightened experience of pain. This means your nervous system becomes more sensitive over time, and you may experience pain more intensely or in response to stimuli that wouldn't normally cause pain.
Other symptoms of central sensitisation can include:
- Headaches and migraines
- Persistent fatigue
- Poor sleep quality
- Nausea
- Bloating and digestive issues
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Anxiety and low mood
Our doctors will take the time to conduct a full assessment and develop an evidence-based, individualised treatment plan. As endometriosis is complex, there will be times when it is helpful to be referred to an allied health care provider, and Elara has the full range of trusted allied health professionals to support you.
Get the Comprehensive Care You Deserve
Through a thorough assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and individual circumstances, we'll develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your immediate concerns while supporting your long-term health and wellbeing. Every woman's experience with endometriosis is unique—your care should be too.
Our Multidisciplinary endometriosis Team
Dr Aye Kinzanar Kyaw
Specialist General Practitioner Women's Health
Dr Aye Kinzanar Kyaw sees patients at Elara Women's Health, Joondalup.
Mel Raybould
Accredited Practising Dietitian
Mel Raybould sees patients at Elara Women's Health, Joondalup.
Tracy Gaibisso
Clinical Naturopath
Tracy Gaibisso sees patients at Elara Women's Health, Joondalup.
Dr Isabel Fernandez
Clinical Psychologist
Dr Isabel Fernandez sees patients at Fernandez Psychology, Kingsley.
Sarah Kenagy
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Sarah Kenagy sees patients at The Healthy Pelvis, Balcatta.
Kate Fosdike
Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Kate Fosdike sees patients at Lift Pelvic Physiotherapy, Currambine.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are a specialised women’s health service delivered by a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals dedicated to evidence-based care and advanced women’s health expertise. Meet our team.
Dr Sharon Vasey holds the Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK), and Dr Aye Kinzanar holds the Diploma from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Both doctors are members of the Australasian Menopause Society.
If you would like the opportunity to discuss your health issues with one of our doctors and receive guidance on next steps for your health journey we can offer a bulk billed video discovery call. Find out more.
Women’s health can be complex and require a longer appointment. At Elara we offer appointments ranging from 15 minutes to an hour.
For or latest fees, check out our pricing page.
1/165 Grand Boulevard, Joondalup.
Review our contact page for full contact information and how to find us.
For answers to more questions, check our frequently asked questions pages for patient information, menopause, endometriosis and contraception.
Why Choose Elara Women's Health?
Specialised Expertise
Our doctors have extensive experience in diagnosing and managing endometriosis. We understand the complexity of this condition and provide evidence-based, individualised care tailored to your needs.
Multidisciplinary Approach
We have assembled a complete team of allied health professionals who specialise in endometriosis care. This collaborative approach ensures all aspects of your health are addressed.
Patient-Centered Approach
We take the time to listen, understand your experience, and work in partnership with you to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your goals, values, and life circumstances.
Getting Started
If you're experiencing symptoms of endometriosis or persistent pelvic pain, you don't have to manage it alone. Our experienced team is here to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that addresses all aspects of your health and well-being.