Endometriosis continues to present major challenges for women and the healthcare teams supporting them, with long delays to diagnosis creating significant pressure across primary care
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in West Bridgford Wire
Endometriosis continues to be one of the most prevalent long-term conditions affecting women in the UK. Around one in ten women live with the condition, which occurs when tissue resembling the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body. This tissue is commonly found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and pelvic lining.
Long Delays to Diagnosis
Despite its prevalence, diagnosis remains lengthy and often distressing. Women commonly experience severe menstrual pain, heavy or irregular bleeding and persistent discomfort in the abdomen and lower back. A report published by Endometriosis UK in 2024 revealed that the average time from a woman’s first GP appointment to diagnosis is just under nine years. These delays leave women managing symptoms without a clear explanation and can affect their mental wellbeing, work life and relationships.
Endometriosis charities are continuing to press for significant improvements in the way women with this condition are supported across the NHS. Organisations such as Endometriosis UK have highlighted the impact of delayed diagnosis, calling for faster pathways and better access to specialist services.
A key factor behind this delay is the nonspecific nature of symptoms. Many presentations overlap with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or pelvic inflammatory disease, making early diagnosis difficult.
How Delays Affect Women in the Community
The prolonged journey to diagnosis can lead to significant disruption for patients. Many women report years of unexplained pain that affects participation in work, social activities and physical movement. Without a diagnosis, obtaining appropriate support becomes more difficult, leaving individuals without workplace adjustments or access to targeted treatment.
These long delays also place pressure on primary care. Women often return repeatedly with worsening symptoms, requiring ongoing consultations and referrals. This creates a cycle of repeated appointments that could be reduced through earlier recognition.
How Practice Managers Can Support Improved Care
Practice managers play an important role in shaping how their teams respond to women presenting with possible endometriosis. Several practical steps can help ensure patients receive timely support:
Strengthening Appointment Access
Prioritising timely appointments for those reporting severe pelvic pain or worsening menstrual symptoms can prevent unnecessary delays. Building flexibility into appointment systems helps ensure patients are not waiting long periods for a review.
Supporting GP Education and Awareness
Encouraging ongoing training for clinical staff can help improve recognition of early signs. Ensuring GPs and nurses are up to date with local referral pathways and guidelines improves consistency across the practice.
Enhancing Continuity of Care
Assigning women with complex or recurring symptoms to a regular clinician reduces the risk of fragmented care. Continuity supports more accurate history taking and can shorten the diagnostic pathway.
Improving Patient Communication
Providing clear information about what to expect during the diagnostic process helps women understand why investigations may take time. Signposting to reliable resources can help patients manage symptoms while they wait for specialist input.
Monitoring Referral Progress
Practices can put systems in place to track gynaecology referrals, making sure patients are not lost in the system. Early identification of delays enables the practice to intervene or escalate when necessary.
Endometriosis remains a condition with significant impact yet slow diagnostic progression. Earlier recognition, improved coordination between primary and secondary care and greater awareness among healthcare teams can reduce the burden placed on women seeking answers. Practice managers have a central role in shaping systems that respond effectively, helping ensure women receive the timely assessments and ongoing support they need.
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