News
Endometriosis: Why it takes an average of 8 Years to diagnose — and how to get answers faster
Article produced in association with Spital Clinic
Around 1.5 million women in the UK are living with endometriosis — and behind that number is a shared experience that rarely makes headlines.
According to NHS guidance on endometriosis, it is one of the most common gynaecological conditions in the country. And yet for most of the women it affects, getting a diagnosis took years.
The path to that diagnosis is rarely straightforward. It is long, often lonely, and filled with appointments where very real pain is explained away or missed entirely.
The Scale of the Diagnosis Delay
The Endometriosis UK 2024 Impact Report, drawn from responses by 4,371 women with confirmed endometriosis, puts the average time from first experiencing symptoms to receiving a diagnosis at 8 years and 10 months.
Despite growing awareness and repeated calls from clinicians for earlier investigation, that figure has barely shifted in a decade.
The numbers behind that average are striking.
The same report found that 47 per cent of those women had visited their GP ten or more times before getting a diagnosis, and 78 per cent said they felt dismissed when they first raised their symptoms — up from 69 per cent in the previous survey.
That isn’t a rounding error. It is the lived reality of most women with endometriosis.
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus — on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder and beyond.
Because it responds to the same hormonal cycle as the uterus, it causes recurring inflammation and scarring that cannot resolve on its own. The longer it goes undiagnosed, the more opportunity there is for it to progress.
Why Diagnosis Takes So Long
Part of the problem is that there is no simple test for endometriosis. Its symptoms — painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain during sex, bowel and bladder problems, and persistent fatigue — overlap with conditions that GPs see far more often.
IBS and painful periods are among the most frequent misdiagnoses before endometriosis is finally considered.
There is no blood test that confirms it.
NICE guidance acknowledges something that many women already know from experience: there is a long-standing tendency — both culturally and in clinical practice — to treat severe period pain as a normal part of female life.
When pain that disrupts daily function is met with reassurance rather than investigation, the referral that might eventually lead to a diagnosis simply does not happen.
That is where much of the delay originates.
For women whose symptoms have been raised repeatedly without investigation, a specialist gynaecological assessment — through NHS referral or through a private gynaecology consultation — tends to move things forward more quickly than further appointments at GP level.
What NICE NG73 Now Recommends
In November 2024, NICE NG73 — the updated endometriosis guideline — set out a clearer diagnostic pathway: defined criteria for when to investigate, when to refer, and what tests should happen first.
The guideline recommends transvaginal ultrasound as part of the initial investigation for suspected endometriosis.
Crucially — and this is worth knowing — a normal scan does not rule out endometriosis.
Many women are told their results were clear and assume that means the matter is settled. It does not.
A scan creates objective evidence that strengthens the case for specialist referral — something a physical examination alone often cannot do.
It can be arranged through an NHS referral or through a private transvaginal ultrasound, and specialist assessment is recommended where symptoms continue regardless of what the scan shows.
A normal scan is not a closed door.
The definitive test for endometriosis remains laparoscopy — a keyhole surgical procedure under general anaesthetic that allows a surgeon to see endometrial deposits directly and, where possible, treat them at the same time.
NG73 supports laparoscopy as the appropriate next step when non-invasive assessment does not provide a clear answer. Knowing that this option exists — and that it is appropriate to ask for it — makes a real difference.
What to Do if Your Symptoms Are Not Being Investigated
The most useful thing to do right now is start documenting. Write down dates, severity, how your symptoms relate to your cycle, and the specific ways they are affecting your life — across at least two or three full cycles.
A written record is far harder to dismiss than a verbal account given at a single appointment.
A symptom diary is the single most useful document a woman can bring to a GP appointment.
When you ask for a referral, be specific — ask for a gynaecologist with a specialist interest in endometriosis, not a general gynaecology appointment.
Under NHS England’s patient choice framework, you have the right to request referral to a named provider, including specialist endometriosis centres.
If a GP declines to refer you despite a persistent symptom history, requesting a second opinion from a colleague within the same practice is a reasonable and available step.
Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, according to NHS guidance. That is not a rare condition — and yet the gap between how common it is and how promptly it gets diagnosed remains enormous.
NICE NG73 sets a clearer standard for what investigation should look like, but guidelines change slowly and practice can lag behind.
The women who tend to move through the system fastest are the ones who know what they are entitled to ask for: a transvaginal ultrasound, onward specialist referral, and the understanding that a normal scan is not the end of the road.
If this applies to you, book a consultation with a consultant gynaecologist to begin a structured assessment.
This article is produced for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Clinical guidance referenced reflects published NHS and NICE standards as at March 2026. Individual circumstances vary; readers are advised to consult a qualified healthcare professional before acting on any information in this article. This piece was produced in association with Spital Clinic, which provided background clinical information for editorial purposes. Hyperlinks to external sources are included for reference only and do not represent an endorsement of any product, service or organisation.
We are thrilled to announce the shortlist for the Menstrual Health Innovation Award at the third annual FemTech World Awards.
This award, sponsored by Premom exists to celebrate the trailblazers redefining what menstrual health means in the modern world.
It recognises breakthrough products, services, and initiatives that are pushing boundaries in technology, product design, education, accessibility, and destigmatisation.
Premom’s innovative ovulation prediction app combines a digital ovulation test reader, intelligent fertility charting, and customised cycle insights to simplify the path to motherhood.
Sister company easy@Home was the first brand in the USA to offer personalised testing solutions and devices, and has become the largest volume seller of ovulation tests in the country.
Premom’s sponsorship of this award reflects a shared commitment to empowering women with better tools, better knowledge and better outcomes across every stage of their reproductive health journey.
This year’s shortlist is a testament to the remarkable breadth of innovation happening across the femtech landscape, from wearable bioelectronics to mission-driven apps reaching underserved communities across the globe.
Congratulations to the finalist and thank you to everyone who nominated.
Menstrual Health Innovation Shortlist
Founded by healthcare designer Kateřina Rydlová, who wanted to manage her own period pain without relying on medication, Body Moody has developed a discreet, wearable heated bodysuit that delivers targeted warmth to the abdomen and back – quietly, under everyday clothing.
Made from soft viscose, controlled via a companion app, and built for 200+ washes and over five years of use, the bodysuit is as practical as it is pioneering.
Their borrow-then-buy model lowers the barrier to entry and early customer feedback speaks for itself, with users reporting that they have gone from averaging multiple painkillers per cycle to needing none at all.
Eshe is a women’s health ecosystem built for a part of the world that femtech has long overlooked.
Rooted in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 69 per cent of global maternal deaths occur, 65 per cent of women and girls in Kenya cannot afford sanitary pads, and over 60 per cent of women lack access to preventive healthcare, Eshe was created to meet women where they are.
The Eshe app offers daily menstrual cycle and fertility tracking, pregnancy monitoring, mental wellbeing check-ins, in-app consultations with qualified doctors, and health education content, all in one place.
By identifying irregular cycles, missed periods and mental health changes, the platform nudges users toward timely action rather than emergency intervention.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects almost one in five women, making it the leading cause of infertility and a significant risk factor for conditions spanning obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cognitive decline.
Despite this staggering burden, there has not been a new treatment option in seven decades – until now.
LoOoP is a bioelectronic device paired with the MyLoOoP companion app, designed to address both the metabolic and menstrual symptoms of PCOS with the ultimate ambition of avoiding, delaying, or reducing its long-term complications.
The MyLoOoP digital platform goes further still, combining evidence-backed content, clinically validated journaling tools, a validated phenotyping algorithm, and an inclusive community – closing the persistent gaps in PCOS diagnosis, information and care.
What happens next
The shortlist will be judge by a Premom representative who will announce the winner at a virtual event on June 19.
The winner will receive a trophy and be interviewed by a Femtech World journalist.
Mental health
Dr-Julian helps deliver breakthrough mental health support for Black and ethnically minoritised mothers
A groundbreaking digital perinatal mental health pilot for Black and ethnically minoritised women has helped women access support faster, complete therapy at higher rates, and recover more successfully than national averages.
The partnership between digital tech company Dr-Julian and The Essential Baby Company Ltd within a new model of mental health care named haPPIE SHE Cares – who offer personalised support for women sharing their healthcare experiences, showed results well above NHS benchmarks for Black and ethnically minoritised women.
The pilot was created to help women who are less likely to use traditional mental health services during pregnancy and in the first year after giving birth.
By combining trusted community referrals, culturally aware support, and fast access to therapy through Dr-Julian’s online and virtual care platform, the programme delivered standout results.
Every woman who joined the pilot started therapy, 90 per cent completed treatment, and 74 per cent recovered; well above the NHS benchmark of around 52 per cent.
Women referred through community organisations accessed support in just one day on average, compared with around 21 days through many standard services.
Even the programme’s regular referral route reduced waits to 13 days.
The findings come as NHS leaders continue to focus on maternity inequalities and unequal access to mental health care.
Black and ethnically minoritised women can face barriers including stigma, language needs, lack of trust in services, childcare pressures, and difficulty navigating complex systems.
The haPPIE SHE Cares model was designed to break down those barriers by working with trusted community groups, offering culturally informed support, and where possible matching women with therapists who understood their background or language.
Gemma Poole for The Essential Baby Company said: “Too many women who need help feel unseen, unheard or unable to get support when they need it most.
“This project shows that when services are built around trust, culture and community, women engage, recover and thrive.
“This early success could provide a blueprint for reducing inequalities in maternal mental health care across the UK. Behind every statistic is a mother who felt supported, a family that benefited and a woman who found her voice.
“Mental healthcare must work for every community. This partnership shows that when high-quality therapy is combined with culturally responsive support, outcomes improve and women get help faster.
We are proud to have provided the therapists, virtual care systems and digital pathways behind this programme. We believe this model could help NHS organisations nationwide cut waiting times and improve recovery rates.”
Women who took part described the programme as life-changing, saying it reduced isolation, gave them confidence speaking with healthcare professionals, and made them more willing to seek help.
With growing pressure on maternity and mental health services, leaders behind the project say the pilot offers a practical solution that improves care while helping cut long waiting lists.
Plans are now being explored to expand the model through training, regional partnerships, and future funding.
Only one per cent of women can name all five gynaecological cancers, new research suggests, as 21 women in the UK die every day of the diseases.
The report also found that 31 per cent of women have put off or avoided seeking medical advice for gynaecological symptoms.
It also found that 43 per cent of women invited for cervical screening said barriers had put them off attending, while 18 per cent of respondents aged 25 to 34 who had been invited had never attended.
The five main gynaecological cancers are womb, also called uterine, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancer.
The Lady Garden Foundation said that, while progress has been made since the UK government’s 2022 Women’s Health Strategy aimed to improve gynaecological cancer care, significant challenges remain.
John Butler, medical director and trustee at the Lady Garden Foundation, said: “The fact that only one per cent of the population can name the diseases that directly affect half of us underscores a significant awareness gap, impacting individuals’ ability to recognise vital signs and symptoms or seek timely medical help.
“Addressing this isn’t just about awareness; it’s a critical public health priority. Our collective efforts are essential to ensure the latest commitments announced by this government translate into tangible change that saves lives.”
The report said key reasons for delaying medical advice included difficulty making appointments, embarrassment and, for cervical screening, fear of pain or previous bad experiences.
Women also reported challenges within healthcare interactions, including feeling “not taken seriously”, “dismissed” or “not believed” when seeking gynaecological advice.
Jenny Halpern Prince, chief executive and charity co-founder, said: “We frequently hear reports of women feeling ‘not taken seriously,’ ‘dismissed,’ or ‘not believed’ when seeking gynaecological advice.
“These experiences highlight crucial areas where we can improve patient support and trust within our healthcare system, ensuring women receive the empathetic and effective care they need.”
The Lady Garden Foundation said it aims to increase awareness of both the charity and the five gynaecological cancers.
It also aims to serve as a primary entry point for reliable, stigma-free information, helping people understand their bodies, recognise symptoms and overcome barriers to accessing care.
Its Silent No More Garden was unveiled at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026. Designed by Darren Hawkes, the garden serves as a national call to action, using five sculptures to spark conversations, break long-standing taboos and encourage open dialogue about symptoms and preventative care.
Butler said: “Continued focus and collaborative action are essential to progress.
“The ongoing commitment from the government, alongside societal efforts to break down taboos surrounding gynaecological health, are crucial.
“The Lady Garden Foundation is dedicated to being a beacon of information and support, empowering women with the knowledge they need. We urge everyone to learn the signs, speak up, and help us save lives.”
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