Inverclyde's MP backs endometriosis campaign as new figures reveal shocking delays
Around 1.5 million women in the UK live with the condition - but even though it affects one in 10 women, new research released this Endometriosis Action Month by charity Endometriosis UK shows that only 50 per cent of young adults in the UK know what endometriosis is.
The shocking lack of awareness is leaving those with the condition facing an average of almost 9 years for a diagnosis, leading to loss of education and work productivity, often impacting both physical and mental health.
Last year the Tele reported the story of Greenock woman Emma Jess, who said she had been waiting for NHS surgery to treat her endometriosis for five years.
Emma, 27, told us she had suffered from the debilitating and incurable condition since the age of nine - and had been on the list for surgery since 2019.
READ MORE: Greenock woman says she's still waiting for endometriosis surgery after five years on the list
Martin McCluskey MP said: 'Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 in Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West and this Endometriosis Action Month I am pledging my support by raising awareness of this often devastating disease.
"I have been struck by the number of women who have attended my surgeries who are dealing with delays in diagnosis for endometriosis.
'Despite its prevalence, latest research from Endometriosis UK highlights that it currently takes on average nearly nine years to get a diagnosis, and it's a disease only 50 per cent of young adults have ever even heard of.
'Not only without a diagnosis can the disease worsen but it can have a huge impact on all aspects someone's life.
"I look forward to working with Endometriosis UK and my constituents to raise vital awareness of endometriosis."
(Image: Contributed)
Faye Farthing, Head of Communications at Endometriosis UK added: 'We are delighted to have the support of Martin McCluskey MP during Endometriosis Action Month.
"It's shocking that despite being the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK, only 50 per cent of young adults have ever even heard of it. It is vital that every young person is taught in school what is and isn't normal and feels empowered to seek help if needed.
'Without this knowledge, young people will continue to suffer in silence; missing out on vital education, future employment opportunities, as well as impacting on physical and mental health.
"The lifelong impact of this cannot be overstated. We therefore look forward to working with MPs and the Government to improve education and care for the 1.5million women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis in the UK."
A poll of 2,000 members of the public, conducted last month, revealed that awareness of endometriosis is on the rise, with 64 per cent recognising it as a gynaecological health condition, up from 53 per cent in 2024.
However, one in three admitted to not having open conversations about periods and menstrual health with anyone - and 60 per cent admitted they would not know how to support someone they were close to if they got diagnosed with endometriosis.
Latest research by Endometriosis UK from a survey of 4,371 people who have received a diagnosis of endometriosis in March 2024 found that it takes an average of eight years and 10 months in Scotland to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis.
The figure is the same in England, and rises to nine years and five months in Northern Ireland and to nine years and 11 months in Wales.
Almost half of all respondents (47 per cent) said they had visited their GP 10 or more times with symptoms prior to receiving a diagnosis, and 70 per cent had visited five times or more.
Only one in 10 reported that GPs had mentioned suspected endometriosis at either their first or second appointment where symptoms were discussed.
More than half - 52 per cent - said they had visited A&E at least once, and fewer than a fifth of those (17 per cent) were referred to gynaecology at their first visit.
One in four - 26 per cent - visited A&E three or more times with symptoms prior to diagnosis, while 20 per cent reported seeing a gynaecologist 10 or more times before being diagnosed.
And more than three quarters of those who later received a diagnosis of endometriosis said they had experienced one doctor, or more, telling them they were making a 'fuss about nothing' - a number which increased from 69 per cent to 78 per cent compared to the last such survey, in 2020.
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Ella Henderson reveals endometriosis diagnosis
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