Endometriosis diagnosis took 13 years for some women

A report by Endometriosis UK found the average diagnosis time is nine years and four months, and several women described years of severe pain and repeated dismissal before receiving a diagnosis.

Several women reported many years of severe pelvic pain before receiving an endometriosis diagnosis, and a recent charity report has highlighted long national delays. The Endometriosis UK report puts the average time to diagnosis at nine years and four months. Many patients said they were told symptoms were IBS, anxiety, or that they were too young, and were repeatedly given contraceptives rather than further investigation. The NHS acknowledged that these experiences are not good enough and said it is supporting local rollouts of improved services. Key details: - Endometriosis UK reported an average diagnosis time of nine years and four months. - The report found 39% of respondents visited their GP 10 or more times before endometriosis was suspected, and 46% who attended hospital said they were sent home without treatment. - Women described long delays, multiple surgeries, ongoing symptoms, and impacts on fertility and daily life. - Endometriosis UK has called for action to cut average diagnosis time to one year or less by 2030; the NHS said it is encouraging adherence to NICE guidance and expanding women’s health services. Summary: Long delays in diagnosis are linked with ongoing health needs and, in some cases, impacts on fertility and daily functioning for those affected. Charities are urging a major reduction in average diagnosis time, while NHS representatives say they are supporting improvements in services and clinical guidance to address patient experiences.