NHS delays and ‘medical misogyny’ to blame for harming women’s fertility

According to a report by the Women and Equalities Committee, gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis, are treated inadequately due to delays in the NHS and what they believe to be ‘medical misogyny’.

Inadequate care of gynaecological conditions

The research, covered by The Guardian on 11^th December 2024, found that women are left in pain for years before they are finally diagnosed with conditions like endometriosis (where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body) and adenomyosis (where the lining of the womb starts growing into the muscle in the wall of the womb).

According to the report, this ‘inadequate care’ also relates to routine gynaecological appointments such as cervical screenings and IUD contraceptive fittings.

According to the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG), more than 760,000 women are on NHS waiting lists for gynaecological care.

The article highlighted that:

• Women’s pain is dismissed;
• Women are ‘gaslit’ by doctors; and
• Women are told to ‘suck it up’ by medical professionals in response to complaints of pain.

Charity, Endometriosis UK, has found that almost half of women suffering from endometriosis had to visit their GP 10 times or more to get a diagnosis.

‘Medical misogyny’ leaving women in pain

The Women and Equalities Committee states that medical misogyny (a prejudice against women) is leaving women in pain and their symptoms dismissed. It is also believed that this suffering is having a debilitating impact on women’s daily lives as they wait for treatment and diagnosis.

The report suggests that this misogyny results in the NHS failing to prioritise women’s health, meaning there is not sufficient research on women’s health issues, conditions or treatments.

Care delayed until it’s too late

The report specifically highlights that women often only get help when their condition has deteriorated to the point that their fertility is affected, at which point, it’s too late.

Unfortunately, our medical negligence solicitors are far too aware of the impact a delay in treatment and/or delay in diagnosis can have. It is devastating for them to find out, often years later, that despite reporting concerns to a GP or other medical professional, and either being denied treatment or experiencing a serious delay, they are now facing serious reproductive issues or even a life-limiting diagnosis.

So, what’s being done?

NHS England is rolling out women’s health hubs to improve access to healthcare. It is hoped that this and the Women and Equalities Committee report help significantly improve women’s healthcare, particularly now longstanding gaps in knowledge and systemic inequalities have been reported on so widely.

Related articles:

• Case study: £44,500 settlement for delayed adenomyosis and fibroids diagnosis
• Case study: £610,000 for misdiagnosis of abnormal smear resulting in terminal cancer
• Blog: MBRRACE-UK report on ethnic inequalities prompts improved midwifery training
• Blog: Cancer Research study finds delays in referrals for breast cancer symptoms

How our medical negligence solicitors can help

If you have received a life-changing or life-altering diagnosis that was delayed as a result of sub-standard medical care, our medical negligence lawyers in Bristol may be able to help.

For an initial, no-obligation chat, call us on 0117 325 2929 or fill out our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch.