Report states endometriosis care across the UK needs urgent improvement

A report by MPs says endometriosis care needs urgent improvement and for diagnosis times to be cut in half.

The report found a typical wait for diagnosis being eight years and that had not been improved in over ten years.

Endometriosis currently affects around one in ten women in the UK and can cause heavy periods, debilitating pain and infertility. There is no cure for the condition and treatment can include surgery and hormone therapy.

Over 10,000 people took part in the All-Party Political Group inquiry, the findings of which showed that 58 per cent of women visited their GP more than ten times before receiving a diagnosis and 53 per cent went to A&E with symptoms before they were diagnosed.

Edward Morris, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) said “The long diagnosis times and poor patient experience could be attributed to the significant gap in data when it comes to women and girls.

“The RCOG would like to see medical research in this area prioritised.”

Nadine Dorries, minister for women’s health, said “While awareness of this, and other painful and potentially debilitating gynaecological conditions are increasing, there is still a long way to go.

“I am committed to filling the evidence gaps to better understand the issues facing women and improve women’s health. We have provided £2m, through the National Institute for Health Research, to investigate the effectiveness of surgery compared with non-surgical interventions to manage chronic pain in a specific type of endometriosis.

“Clinicians have a vital role in removing the stigma associated with endometriosis and I would urge them to follow the NICE guidelines, and to do all they can to support the mental and physical health of those suffering from the condition.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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