Why it matters: Endometriosis affects one in 10 women of reproductive age, causing severe pain, extreme tiredness and potential infertility. However, many women wait years for a diagnosis and proper treatment.
The big picture: Office for National Statistics data shows:
2,875 women in Suffolk (0.4% of total women in the county) received an endometriosis diagnosis between March 2011 and December 2021
This represents 845 diagnoses per 100,000 women in the county – below the East of England average of 989 diagnoses per 100,000 women
The average age for diagnosis is 35 years
What they're saying: Emma Cox, chief executive of Endometriosis UK, welcomed expanding research into the condition but highlighted ongoing challenges.
"The relative lack of both data and research into endometriosis has historically made it easy to overlook or fail to grasp the seriousness of the disease," she said.
"Without strong evidence, decision-makers in healthcare and other sectors have either not recognised the scale of the issue, or not been able to argue for investments to support those with endometriosis."
Between the lines: The NHS estimates only 2% of women of reproductive age in England have been diagnosed with endometriosis. However, charities suggest the true figure is closer to 10%, indicating many Suffolk women may be living with undiagnosed endometriosis.
What's being done: An NHS England spokesperson said: "The NHS is committed to helping women affected by endometriosis and, while there have been some improvements, we know there is a lot more to do."
The NHS is:
Improving information about menstrual pain
Supporting local areas to develop Women's Health Hubs
Working to speed up diagnosis and treatment
Worth noting: Women in more deprived areas showed higher diagnosis rates than those in wealthier areas, which the ONS suggests may reflect private healthcare use in more affluent regions.
The bottom line: While thousands of Suffolk women have received an endometriosis diagnosis, experts believe many more are waiting for help. The NHS acknowledges more work is needed to improve diagnosis times and treatment access.
Sources
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