Examining Canada's policy desert: interventions for chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) presents a significant public health challenge in Canada among people with uteruses (PWU) yet remains inadequately addressed within our healthcare system. This capstone explores the dimensions of CPP, proposing a national action plan to enhance quality of life for PWU. Through qualitative interviews with PWU experiencing CPP and a comparative analysis of Australia's National Action Plan for Endometriosis, this research combines these insights to inform the Canadian case. Findings underscore the urgency for interventions in the domains of menstrual pain normalization, health literacy, loss of income, and experiences with healthcare providers. Canada's proposed plan encompasses a range of policy initiatives aimed at improving awareness and education, diagnosis, treatment, and support services for individuals affected by CPP, including considerations for employment and income support. By implementing targeted policy interventions, Canada can mitigate the consequences of CPP and promote equitable access to services for PWU experiencing CPP.