Thank you for contacting me about endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
These are common long-term conditions that can have a significant impact on a woman’s life and I am aware of and sympathise with the hardships faced by women who experience severe symptoms. I believe it is important to raise awareness of the impact on women not just here in the UK, but also worldwide.
To provide support, all obstetricians and gynaecologists have been trained in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions and clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and management of endometriosis, and PCOS, have been published to assist doctors. These guidelines must be followed in clinical settings and education, and in primary care, so women know what to expect and doctors have the knowledge they need to support women.
I agree that it is unacceptable that the average diagnosis time for endometriosis is seven to eight years. It is imperative that we have a greater focus on women’s health to address issues like this and I welcome the publication of the Government's Vision for Women's Health to tackle decades of health inequality. I was encouraged to see that gynaecological conditions, like endometriosis and PCOS, are a priority area in the Vision. The ambition is that every woman and girl will be able to access the right information, support and diagnosis for menstrual health and gynaecological conditions and ways to improve awareness of and care for those suffering symptoms of these conditions. More detail will be in the upcoming Women’s Health Strategy, due in spring 2022, and I look forward to learning more in due course.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.