MedA new report by the Parliamentary Women and Equalities Committee has found that women are overwhelmingly experiencing a normalisation of symptoms and dismissal of pain. Findings have led to calls for an overhaul of the systemic misogyny faced by women when seeking help for life affecting debilitating conditions.

Access to diagnosis and treatment for women’s reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis and heavy menstrual periods was found to be severely lacking. Many women have been left to endure pain without management or diagnosis creating a far-reaching impact on work, family life, careers and fertility.  

The report attributed poor treatment to a deficit of education where ‘medical misogyny’ has equated to poor awareness created by lack of adequate research, access to specialists and provision of treatment options. The report’s conclusions also highlighted that gynaecological waiting lists have surpassed those of other medical specialisms.  

The “pervasive stigma” associated with gynaecological issues increasing in prevalence despite decreasing diagnosis and treatment, is leading to dismissal of symptoms and traumatic procedures. The substandard care referenced in the report included the analysis of real experiences of women that have waited for years for treatment and diagnosis.  

The report made calls for NHS practices and procedures to be improved, and data collected based on traumatic procedures and experiences. Additional recommendations formed the need for increased ring fencing of funding for research into conditions such as endometriosis, a condition that affects 1 in 10 women in the UK. A lack of timely treatment can lead to further complications and years of avoidable suffering and trauma.

Conclusions include recommendations for further training for existing medical professionals, both in hospitals and general practice. The need for better education in schools has also been advised to equip girls with the knowledge to identify symptoms that are not ‘normal’, and when and where to seek help.  

Fazila Bhana is a Medical Negligence Paralegal. She says: It has become far too common and worryingly acceptable for medical professionals to disregard the pain and suffering relating to gynaecological health. The report is a welcome summary of a situation that reflects the harrowing experiences of many women where dismissal and delayed diagnosis has led to unnecessary and avoidable complications. We look forward to the implementation of the Women and Equalities Committee’s recommendations.

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Further information and support is available at  

Ending endometriosis starts by saying it | Endometriosis UK

A full copy of the report can be found at:

Women's reproductive health conditions

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If you have concerns about the care that you or a family member has received, please contact our specialist team for a no-obligation consultation on 0116 254 7456 or at enquiries@moosaduke.com.