Too many women are being dismissed in A&E when experiencing extreme abdominal pain—pain that can signal something far more serious than a standard period. One woman recently went to A&E with intense stabbing pain in her lower abdomen. Despite mentioning her family history of ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer, she was told her blood and urine tests were normal and sent home without an ultrasound.

She knew better. She paid for a private scan—and that scan revealed a ruptured ovarian cyst, another enlarged cyst, and internal fluid buildup that could’ve led to a dangerous infection or even sepsis. If she hadn’t been in a position to pay for private care, this could’ve become life-threatening.

This isn’t just one story—it’s a systemic issue. Ovarian cysts and related conditions can only be diagnosed through ultrasound. Blood and urine tests don’t tell the whole story.

We are calling on the NHS to adopt a simple, life-saving policy:

If a female patient presents to A&E with symptoms matching a possible ovarian cyst rupture (e.g., severe lower abdominal pain, known family history), she must be offered an ultrasound scan during that visit—no exceptions, no dismissals.

Women’s pain deserves to be taken seriously. Delaying diagnosis puts lives at risk. Sign this petition to demand better care and safer protocols for women in the UK.