Sir Gavin Williamson has signalled his strong support to Endometriosis UK’s campaign which is calling on the Government to reduce the average time for diagnosis to one year or less by 2030.
New data released by the charity has starkly revealed that the average wait time for a diagnosis in the UK has now reached 9 years and four months. Staggeringly, this figure has increased from an average of 8 years reported in 2020.
Worrying findings from Endometriosis UK highlights the struggles of women seeking diagnosis and management to help reduce the severity of symptoms: 39% of respondents reporting 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 patients 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. The condition affects around one in ten women. Common symptoms include pelvic pain, painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pain during or after sex. Around 1.5 million women in the UK currently live with Endometriosis.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK said: “It is unacceptable that those living with Endometriosis have had to endure years of pain and uncertainty prior to receiving a diagnosis. Our findings underscore the urgent need to not only increase awareness and understanding of endometriosis as well as menstrual health amongst 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 when/where it is needed.
“Endometriosis care has been neglected for far too long and the situation is getting worse. Governments across the UK must treat endometriosis as a common, chronic condition, that requires systemic action and we want an unequivocal commitment to reduce average diagnosis times to one year or less.”
Sir Gavin said: “I have met many women with endometriosis and one of the most alarming things is how many times I have been told that women feel dismissed by healthcare professionals when presenting with symptoms.
“This is extremely worrying and dramatically reduces the quality of life for sufferers. Education as well as a structure plan on dealing with the condition is crucial to improving diagnosis rates as well as offering the support necessary.
“A nine year wait for a diagnosis is galling and quite frankly appalling in the 21st Century. I am committed to working with charities including Endometriosis UK to lower waiting times as well as supporting sufferers."
