Welsh GPs report 43% rise in endometriosis knowledge after completing new training

A new training programme in Wales is helping GPs to recognise the symptoms of endometriosis earlier, the Welsh Government says.

The Endometriosis in Primary Care training has led to a 43 per cent improvement in GP knowledge of the condition, which affects around one in 10 women of reproductive age and causes tissue similar to the lining of the womb to grow elsewhere in the body, often leading to pain and infertility.

Part of Wales’ broader Women’s Health Plan, the training is delivered through Health Education and Improvement Wales and sits alongside modules covering urinary incontinence, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and suspected gynaecological cancer.

Sarah Murphy, minister for mental health and wellbeing, said: “This training ensures women’s voices are central to their healthcare experience, and it helps GPs support their patients more effectively.

“Endometriosis can have a huge impact on a woman’s quality of life, their work and their relationships.

“I am determined our Women’s Health Plan will drive real improvements in women’s health outcomes and reduce inequalities.”

According to the Welsh Government, participating GPs recorded a 43 per cent improvement in their understanding of endometriosis following the training, which is based on the latest guidance from NICE and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

GPs were assessed before and after completing the training, with results showing increased confidence in recognising symptoms and discussing treatment options with patients.

The rollout follows updates to NICE guidance in late 2024, which clarified the pathway of care for women suspected to have endometriosis.

This year, it approved two new at-home treatment options – relugolix combination therapy and Lingolix – for patients where previous medical or surgical intervention has not been successful.

Launched six months ago, the Women’s Health Plan identifies endometriosis as one of eight priority areas for improving healthcare.

It also sets out plans for a women’s health hub in every health board area, with pathfinder sites due by March 2026, and the establishment of Wales’ first women’s health research centre.

Dr Mirka Slavska, an obstetrics and gynaecology consultant at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, who delivered the training, said: “The session covered differential diagnoses, referral pathways, novel diagnostic and treatment options, and introduced the Endometriosis Cymru symptom reporting tool.

“The excellent feedback we received reflects the value of equipping healthcare professionals with current, practical knowledge to improve care for those living with endometriosis.”

Dr Helen Munro, clinical lead for women’s health in Wales, said the planned hubs would be “central to meeting women’s healthcare needs across their life course”.

She added: “This is where healthcare professionals will join up with existing services to provide women’s health services within our communities.

“The needs of our local populations, together with existing resources and infrastructure will guide the design and delivery of the hubs.”

In March, NHS England announced it was actively assessing workforce training gaps and future needs in response to calls for more GP training in women’s reproductive health conditions.

This followed a report from the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee, which found that patients with these conditions often experience “medical misogyny” under the care of GPs and other health professionals.