My daughter has been battling severe endometriosis for years. Her experiences with general gynaecologists in both the NHS and private sector were less than satisfactory, to say the least. Despite her constant pain and debilitating symptoms, the standard care failed to provide any real relief or progress. Only recently, she was finally referred to an endometriosis specialist, and the difference in care is beyond measure. The specialist’s expertise and understanding have put her on the path to the treatment she so desperately needed. This specialist is trained in excision surgery and works at a BSGE accredited endometriosis centre. 

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB) worldwide. Despite this staggering number, many of these individuals face an uphill battle to receive a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. General gynaecologists, although knowledgeable, often lack the specific training and experience needed to address the complexities of endometriosis. Delayed diagnosis and inadequate care can lead to unnecessary suffering, increased risk of infertility, and significant impacts on mental health.

By making it mandatory for women and AFAB individuals diagnosed with or suspected of having severe endometriosis to be referred directly to endometriosis specialists, we can ensure that every patient receives an accurate diagnosis and the specialized care they deserve. These specialists are equipped to understand the intricate nature of the disease and can offer the most up-to-date treatments, promising a better quality of life.

The personal stories like my daughter’s are not isolated cases but a reflection of a broader issue. We must strive for a healthcare system that immediately directs potential severe endometriosis cases to those most capable of addressing them effectively. Failing to do so leaves countless individuals in unnecessary pain and at risk of complications that could have been managed or avoided.

Let's stand together to change the protocol within the NHS and private healthcare sectors. By advocating for the women's health needs, we are pushing for a system that's better equipped to handle the complexity of severe endometriosis, providing relief and hope to countless sufferers and their families.

Please join me in calling upon healthcare authorities and policymakers to make specialist referrals mandatory for severe endometriosis cases. Sign this petition to demand better standards for treatment and care. Thank you.