Endometriosis Action Month

I am supporting Endometriosis UK’s campaign calling on all UK Governments to commit to reducing the average time for diagnosis to one year or less by 2030.  

New data released by Endometriosis UK revealed that the average time to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis in the UK has now reached 9 years and 4 months. Alarmingly, this figure has increased from an average of 8 years reported in 2020. 

The findings, from a survey by Endometriosis UK, highlight the struggles of individuals seeking diagnosis and management to help reduce the severity of symptoms: 39% of respondents reported needing to visit their GP 10 times or more before endometriosis was suspected. Additionally, 55% of respondents attended A&E with their symptoms, but 46% of these were sent home without treatment. 

Endometriosis is a long-term (chronic) condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body. It's common, affecting around 1 in 10 women. Symptoms vary from person to person and can be severe and debilitating. Common symptoms include pelvic pain, painful periods that interfere with everyday life, heavy menstrual bleeding and pain during or after sex. Around 1.5 million women in the UK are currently living with endometriosis. 

I recently joined Endometriosis UK in Westminster to hear firsthand from people affected by this condition. We discussed the launch of Endometriosis UK's new diagnosis report and the urgent actions needed to improve care, reduce delays, and ensure everyone with the condition has access to the best treatment and support. It is clear that more needs to be done to support those living with Endometriosis.

Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, said: 

“It is unacceptable that those living with endometriosis have to endure years of pain and uncertainty before receiving a diagnosis. Our findings underscore the urgent need not only for increased awareness and understanding of endometriosis and menstrual health among healthcare providers, but for this to be translated into action, with appropriate levels of resources allocated by the NHS to overcome far too long waiting lists and enable access to care where and when it’s needed. 

“Endometriosis care has been neglected for too long and the situation is getting worse. Governments across the UK must treat endometriosis as a common, chronic condition that requires systematic action and we want an unequivocal commitment to reduce average diagnosis time to one year or less by 2030.”