This petition is born out of a deeply personal struggle. "A" was diagnosed with endometriosis at the tender age of 17-18. By just 27, she had undergone multiple cycles of Zoladex, a potent treatment used to induce chemical menopause and also commonly used for breast and prostate cancer, therefore the side effects were/are vile & intense. She has endured at least six surgeries, including the removal of her right ovary in her early twenties. Despite these efforts, there is no cure for endometriosis and like many others, she continues to suffer, and faces an uncertain future with her reproductive health. 

Endometriosis affects approximately one in ten women during their reproductive years, yet many doctors within the NHS outside of gynaecology lack sufficient understanding to provide appropriate care. This lack of knowledge isn't just detrimental to those suffering from endometriosis; it's indicative of a broader issue concerning women's health within our healthcare system. 

Despite all the surgeries, “ A “ would on occasion, during severe flare ups be sent to hospital due to dangerous amounts of bleeding, nausea/vomiting & pain. 

Due to lack of knowledge her local A&E, William Harvey hospital told her she did not have Endometriosis, despite over 10 years of treatment, surgeries & distress. They (incorrectly) labelled her a drug seeker - which had a serious and truly awfully damaging impact in every sense of her life. They left her sat in the hospital crying in pain, bleeding through her clothes and occasionally covered in her own sick due to the severity and on occasion even had blood in her vomit due to excessive vomiting, and refused her treatment, even something as simple as IV fluids to at least rehydrate her. 

Despite being shown Laparoscopy photos where a specialist circled areas of endometriosis, despite a professional mental health team saying it was not a psychological matter & despite being corrected by her endometriosis specialist of 10+ years and being told that “ A “ was being actively treated for the condition and has a known history of endometriosis they still refused treatment and continue to do so, at times when a young woman needs the NHS the most.

They would only offer multiple painful IM injections, and even admitted to “A” that there was a less painful, less distressing way to give this medication, however they refused and continued to watch her cry and have multiple painful IM injections.

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. This is the case for many women, being refused appropriate care, being denied ways to improve their quality of life by the same people who took a Hippocratic oath, why? Because they do not know enough about the condition to provide appropriate care. 

I am calling on the NHS to improve its approach towards women’s health care, particularly regarding conditions like endometriosis that affect so many yet remain poorly understood by so many medical professionals. We demand better training for doctors on this condition and other female-specific diseases, as well as better bedside manner and more comprehensive treatment options for patients with this incurable condition. 

We simply cannot stand by in this day and age while so many vulnerable women like "A" continue to suffer due to inadequate care, insufficient knowledge, neglect & sheer ignorance among healthcare professionals about their conditions. It is time for change within our healthcare system - change that prioritises understanding, empathy, and effective treatment strategies for all patients regardless of gender.

Please sign this petition today if you believe in better care, more effective treatments options and increased knowledge about women’s health within the NHS.