Endometriosis must be diagnosed more quickly - health watchdog
GPs are told they need to be more aware of the disease, which affects around 1.5 million women, and can take years to diagnose.
Wednesday 6 September 2017 13:51, UK
Women can wait up to a decade before being diagnosed with endometriosis, a health watchdog has warned.
As many as one in 10 UK women of reproductive age are affected by the painful and debilitating condition, making it the UK's second-most-common gynaecological condition, yet on average women wait seven and half years for diagnosis from when symptoms begin.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has called for endometriosis sufferers to be diagnosed in a shorter time and has issued guidance telling GPs not to overlook the signs of the condition.
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Endometriosis occurs when tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb is found in other parts of the body, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, parts of the stomach, bladder and bowel.
It can cause large cysts, chronic pelvic pain, pain during or after sex, painful bowel movements, fatigue and heavy periods, and possible fertility problems.
There is no cure for endometriosis and the exact cause is unknown.
NICE says sufferers and those suspected of having the condition should have access to gynaecologists, pain management specialists and fertility services and that health professionals become aware of the physical and psychological impact of the condition and need for long-term treatment.
NICE also says that endometriosis should not be excluded as a possible diagnosis, even if initial examination or scans appear normal and instead to refer patients for further investigation.
Vickie Williams suffers from endometriosis and told Sky News that it took a decade for her to be diagnosed after she first experienced symptoms at the age of 11.
She said: "It really is awful when that pain comes, it feels like someone's got a hammer and they're thudding on your pelvis.
"I've come home and been rolling around on the floor - I've had to cancel plans, I've had anxiety, and no one really understands it because they can't see it."
Chief executive of the World Endometriosis Research Foundation Lone Hummelshoj said that, while the new guidance is welcome, more research still needs to be done.
"We need to collect clinical and surgical data that is comparable between all endometriosis centres and academic settings.
"Similar consistent data collection in breast cancer has resulted in a better understanding of how to treat different sub-types of breast cancer and to provide a prognosis to sufferers."