New inquiry on endometriosis could improve the lives of 1.5 million women in the UK

• TV Report by Léa Levy

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Women’s Health launched a new inquiry today on endometriosis.

This new inquiry comes after a BBC research conducted in October 2019 which found out that half of the 13,500 persons who took part had experienced suicidal thoughts because of endometriosis.

In 2018, this APPG had submitted a report which highlighted insufficient care for women with endometriosis.

This report had also found that 40% of those surveyed who suffered from this condition had 10 GP appointments or more before being referred to a specialist.

This new inquiry will therefore, investigate the challenges faced by sufferers and will advise the Government on measures to improve delayed diagnosis, as well as treatment and support.

Emma Cox, the CEO of Endometriosis UK said: “This inquiry is a welcome opportunity for the Government and NHS to get real about the impact of endometriosis on individuals and society, and to take it seriously.

“The Inquiry provides the Government with the opportunity to deliver recommendations for much needed improvements for the diagnosis, treatment and support of 1.5 million women living with the disease – and reduce the suffering of future generations.”

She added: “We urge all people with endometriosis to take part in the survey. This is a huge opportunity to push for real change for people affected by endometriosis and shape the way care is delivered in the future”.

Currently, it sill takes between 7 to 8 years to diagnose endometriosis.

This delay in diagnosis could be explained by the fact that “historically, this condition has not received the same attention that other similar conditions have had.” Professor Andrew Horne, co-director of EXPPECT Edinburgh explained.

This is what he calls the “gender pain gap”.

He said: “The ‘gender pain gap’ is the fact that if a man had similar symptoms, they would get different care.

“Studies have shown that men who presented other conditions, were more likely to be treated quicker and be given appropriate care, whereas women’s symptoms wouldn’t be taken seriously.”

Candice McKenzie speaking about the “gender pain gap” and the stigma around periods

The 2018 APPG report had also revealed that 42% of those surveyed said they had not been treaded with “dignity and respect” by doctors and had their symptoms being often dismissed by healthcare professionals.

In light of these issues, this new inquiry aims to find solutions.

Sir David Amess MP, Chair of the APPG on Endometriosis, said: “The APPG is delighted to give women with endometriosis and healthcare experts the opportunity to share their first-hand experiences of endometriosis so we can produce a set of recommendations to the Government.

“The APPG is committed to raising awareness of the condition and representing the views of those affected and we urge as many people to come forward as possible to respond to the inquiry”.

You can take part in this inquiry by answering the survey here.