"It's so isolating" - Hull charity calls for endometriosis support
The government says there are improvements to be made in women's healthcare.
Last updated 18th Jan 2024
A Hull charity has called for better support for those suffering with endometriosis, as the government announced plans to promote women's healthcare issues.
Hull-based Endo Buddies said in a survey of 275 women, over half (54.2%) said they'd thought about ending their life because of endometriosis, while 91.4% said they feel they've been left to 'just get on with it' since their diagnosis.
Endo Buddies founder Katy Phillips said: "If there was just basic support in place, the impact that would have on people would be incredible. I'm really pleased with what the government has been saying, but we just need to see the action now."
Health and Social Care Secretary, Victoria Atkins, said: "We're breaking historical barriers that prevent women getting the care they need, building greater understanding of women's healthcare issues and ensuring their voices are listened to.
"We've made huge progress, but I absolutely recognise there is more to do."
"It's really, really hard to deal with"
Despite having her first symptoms at 11, Katy said she was 32 years old before she was diagnosed with endometriosis.
Endometriosis UK says one in ten women and people assigned female at birth suffer from the condition, and it takes on eight years on average to get a diagnosis.
Endometriosis is a systematic inflammatory condition where cells similar to the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body. It can cause severe pain, infertility, and has been linked with depression.
Katy said: "It's so isolating when you've got a condition and you're in a lot of pain but people are saying: 'it's just in your head', or 'it's just periods, get on with it, it's what women have to live with,' and it's really, really hard to deal with."
Minister for Women's Health, Maria Caulfield, said: "These are issues that impact women but they should not be seen as ‘women’s problems’ - it is an everyone problem. We are doing more to put these issues on the agenda and keep them there, to close the gender health gap once and for all."
Katy said: "We need to normalise talking about women's health because it is normal! It's part of being a woman or someone assigned female at birth; there's nothing wrong or dirty about having a period or anything like that, so it needs to be talked about more."