Women’s Health Issues: Uncovering the Reality Behind Gynaecological Conditions
Download (PDF 2.34 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Staffordshire wanted to understand women's experience of treatment for gynaecological conditions. They undertook a survey to which 304 women across Staffordshire responded.
Key findings
- 84% were not diagnosed when they first sought help
- 81% were not referred to a specialist after seeing their GP
- Women with endometriosis waited an average of nearly 9 years for diagnosis, with some reporting waits of over 30 years
- More than 200 women reported significant negative impacts on their mental health, and 180 on relationships and physical health
- Over 40% had required surgery, with many experiencing long waits, poor follow up or limited pain relief
Women repeatedly said they felt their symptoms were described as “normal”, were passed between services, or had to pay privately to be taken seriously.
The report calls for better listening to women’s lived experience, clearer and faster diagnostic pathways, improved GP training in women’s health, and more joined up gynaecology services – priorities that mirror the ambitions set out in the renewed national strategy.