Endometriosis: the 7-year wait

A condition that affects 1 in 10

Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere — ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel. It bleeds with your cycle, but with nowhere to go, it causes inflammation, scarring and severe pain.

The diagnosis problem

Average time from first symptom to diagnosis in the UK: 7 to 9 years. The reason is partly that period pain has been normalised for centuries.

Symptoms to track and bring to a GP

• Pain that stops you from working/studying
• Pain with sex
• Pain when you poo, especially around your period
• Heavy bleeding
• Difficulty getting pregnant

How to advocate

• Bring at least 3 cycles of logged symptoms
• Use the word "debilitating" if it is
• Ask explicitly: "Could this be endometriosis? Can I be referred to gynaecology?"
• If dismissed, ask for a second opinion in writing

You know your body. Trust that.