Thank you for contacting my office. I very much appreciate you getting in touch about endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
As Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Women’s Health, this is a topic I care deeply about.
These are common long-term
conditions that can have a significant impact on a woman’s life. I am aware of
and sympathise with the hardships faced by women who experience 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. I firmly believe 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 note your desire to see the NICE
guideline on endometriosis updated and I understand that guidelines were
amended in late 2021 recommending that women with endometriosis outside the
pelvic cavity should be referred to a specialist endometriosis centre. A
further review of NICE guidelines is expected in 2022/23 to consider whether
they should be updated.
I agree with ministers 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 warmly welcome the publication of the
Government's Vision for Women's Health to tackle decades of health
inequality. I was especially 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 about the Government’s commitment to endometriosis
care can be found in the new Women’s Health Strategy:
Once
again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further
assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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