I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis in December 2021 at the age of 26, after living with symptoms for 11 years without a diagnosis. Since then, I have undergone three surgeries, been medically induced into menopause in an attempt to control my symptoms, and tried numerous forms of hormonal treatment. Despite these interventions, I continue to require nerve suppressant medication and strong pain relief to manage my symptoms. My endometriosis is extensive, involving my bowel, bladder, ovaries, and womb.

Endometriosis is a chronic and often debilitating condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 women in the UK. It causes severe pain, infertility, fatigue, and impacts the quality of life significantly. Despite its prevalence, the condition is often underdiagnosed and underfunded in terms of research and healthcare support. One crucial aspect of care that is currently lacking for women with endometriosis in Wales is access to NHS-funded egg freezing.

Women with endometriosis often face the prospect of infertility due to the damage caused to the reproductive organs. Egg freezing provides an opportunity to preserve fertility, offering hope to those who are not yet ready to start a family. However, the high cost of egg freezing procedures makes it inaccessible to many who desperately need it.

Providing NHS-funded egg freezing for women with endometriosis would relieve an immense emotional and financial burden for countless women in Wales. It would empower them with the choice to have children in the future without the pressure of advancing their reproductive plans prematurely due to their medical condition.

A recent survey conducted by the charity Endometriosis UK found that nearly 50% of women with the condition have fertility concerns, with many facing delays in diagnosis that exacerbate these issues. In light of this, offering egg freezing services would be a compassionate and vital step forward in addressing these needs.

We urge the Welsh Government to consider the pressing issue of fertility preservation for women with endometriosis and provide funding for egg freezing under the NHS. This would represent a significant advancement in women's healthcare rights and quality of life.

Please sign this petition to urge the Welsh Government to take immediate action in providing NHS-funded egg freezing for women with endometriosis in Wales. Your support could transform the lives of many women enduring this challenging condition.