Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Endometriosis affects roughly one in ten women, with an average diagnosis time of almost eight years. Many women face dismissal of their symptoms and lack information on the impact on fertility. There is a need for better research into cures and treatments as well as education about these conditions.

I am concerned about the lack of funding for research and treatment options available to women suffering from endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. I urge the government to increase investment in these areas. Discussed the importance of tackling the lack of public prominence for endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. Highlighted common themes in contributions, including better diagnosis and research, and mentioned the significant economic burden caused by delayed diagnoses.

Ms Keeley highlighted the impact of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome on one in ten women, affecting over 1.5 million individuals in the UK. She shared a constituent's testimony about living with PCOS and noted that diagnosis times for these conditions can range from four to fourteen years. Ms Keeley mentioned her personal experience of endometriosis and the long-term impact it had on her life before diagnosis at age 32. She also referenced the gynaecology backlog worsened by the pandemic, citing NHS data indicating a significant increase in waiting lists for gynaecological services. Raised concerns about the backlog in gynaecology appointments due to the pandemic, with some women having to wait up to 18 months for surgery. Emphasised that this delay is unacceptable.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy shared her personal experience with endometriosis, highlighting the pain she has endured for years and the lack of understanding from healthcare providers. She emphasised that the condition can impact a woman's fertility, self-esteem, and overall health if not properly managed. The MP also criticised the long waiting times for appointments and inadequate treatment, noting that her diagnosis took five years.

Patients are often dismissed by their GPs, told that it is just a bad period. This medical gaslighting is the main issue. Wakeford highlighted the taboo surrounding women's health issues, emphasizing the chronic nature of endometriosis and its impact on sufferers. He cited statistics indicating that it takes eight years for an average diagnosis and noted the need for better workplace support for those with endo, advocating for employers to become 'endo-friendly'.

Young women are sometimes prescribed contraceptive pills for period pain, only to face mental health impacts, leading them into difficult choices between treatment and wellbeing.

She expressed her appreciation for Sir David's work with the all-party parliamentary group on endometriosis, highlighting delays in diagnosis and need for research into diagnostic methods. She mentioned a £10,000 grant given to researchers at the University of Hull to look into biomarkers for early detection. Emma also asked that the Health and Care Bill include measures to mandate clinical research within integrated care systems.

A constituent with endometriosis was advised to have a baby at 16 years old, while another had to stop her care work due to lack of surgery and was turned down for universal credit. There is an urgent need to provide services across the UK for those in Northern Ireland who require help.

I paid tribute to Sir David Amess's work on endometriosis and thanked Endo Warriors, Endo Bonds, Andrew Horne, Emma Cox at Endometriosis UK for their tireless campaigning. I highlighted the economic cost of £8.2 billion per year due to treatment, healthcare costs, and impact on employment. The condition affects one in 10 women with symptoms ranging from minor to severe pain, impacting daily tasks. Emphasised the importance of diversity in Parliament, highlighting how personal experiences shared by women contribute to raising awareness about endometriosis and PCOS.

Mr Williams expressed concern about the long diagnostic period of nine years in Wales, which exacerbates the suffering of women living with endometriosis. He praised his constituent Kate Laska for her work to raise awareness and highlighted issues such as a lack of specialist support in north Wales, travel burdens due to distance, and the scarcity of services available through Welsh language.

There is a lack of recognition that these conditions affect general wellbeing beyond just fertility. The medical establishment often views women's biology purely from a reproductive perspective. Jackie Doyle-Price expressed concern about the lack of focus on endometriosis despite its prevalence, affecting up to 10% of women. She highlighted that early diagnosis is crucial as it often goes undetected until women try to conceive, at which point significant damage might have occurred. Doyle-Price also emphasised the importance of raising awareness among young girls and in medical professions to ensure timely recognition of symptoms.

Mr Lamont highlighted the work of Endo Borders in raising awareness about endometriosis and its impact on women. He noted that one in 10 women suffer from the condition but there is a lack of knowledge about it. In Scotland, the average diagnosis time is eight years due to vague symptoms. Mr Lamont called for menstrual health education at school level and better access to specialist services, as well as increased research funding.

She highlighted the lack of research and understanding around PCOS, which affects up to 10% of women. She noted that less than 3% of UK medical research funding is focused on women-specific diseases like PCOS. Kirsten shared her personal experience with irregular periods, fertility issues, hirsutism, acne, weight gain, and hair loss due to PCOS.

Both conditions can severely impact mental health due to pain or fertility issues, highlighting the need to prioritise psychological symptoms alongside physical ones.

A constituent with endometriosis took six years to be diagnosed. There needs to be more awareness among GPs about NICE guidelines for early detection and appropriate treatment. Asked the Minister to give way during interventions.

It took one constituent 11 years to receive a diagnosis. We need a diagnostic framework for early detection of endometriosis and PCOS.

I paid tribute to Sir David Amess for his work and highlighted the case of Maddy Howarth who had a difficult journey in getting diagnosed with endometriosis. The average waiting time from symptom onset to diagnosis is eight years, leaving women without psychological support. I mentioned my partner Beth's ongoing struggle with undiagnosed pain despite being on the waiting list for surgery.