Faye Farthing
Head of Communications, Endometriosis UK
Endometriosis care has been neglected, harming patients and the economy. This Endometriosis Action Month, governments must take bold action to improve care for the 1 in 10 affected in the UK.
If we are to debunk the myths that are riddled within our society about endometriosis, such as ‘It’s just a bad period’ or ‘It’s just part of being a woman,’ we must all accept our responsibility in standing up for the injustice that those with the disease face — in accessing a diagnosis and treatment, at work and in being believed for the pain those with symptoms are experiencing.
Supporting people with endometriosis
We simply cannot afford to ignore the fact that it still takes, on average, nearly nine years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis in the UK — a statistic that has not changed in over a decade. We must also ensure that everyone with the disease receives prompt access to treatment and the support they need to thrive at every point in their life. This takes governments, employers, healthcare practitioners at every level and the public to join our fight for change.
Endometriosis UK hears all too often that symptoms go ignored, dismissed and misdiagnosed, which can have a huge impact on all aspects of someone’s life, including their physical and mental health, friendships and relationships, education, career and fertility. The lifelong cost of failing to support those with endometriosis in both physical and mental health cannot be overstated.
It still takes, on average, nearly
nine years to get a diagnosis of
endometriosis in the UK.
Return of investing in endometriosis care
Awareness is increasing, and conversations are starting to shift, but this must be matched with clear action from the Government. There is mounting economic evidence that the Government simply cannot afford to ignore. A recent report by NHS Confederation shows that for every £1 per woman in England put into obstetrics and gynaecology, there is an estimated return of £11 per woman.
Investing in endometriosis care will not only reduce suffering for those with endometriosis but will also save the NHS time and resources, as well as benefit the wider economy. Now is the time to act, so please join us this March and beyond in campaigning for change.
