For years, women have been dismissed by doctors when seeking help for severe period pains and heavy bleeding. Many suffer from conditions like endometriosis or fibroids, which often go undiagnosed.

A recent survey I conducted revealed heartbreaking stories of women facing a lack of awareness, repeated misdiagnoses, and a lack of urgency in addressing their health concerns. Endometriosis affects one in ten women, yet the average wait time for a diagnosis is now over nine years.

Black women and those from other ethnic backgrounds often wait even longer, facing dismissive attitudes towards their pain. This intersection of sexism and racism within healthcare is concerning.

The disparity in treatment between men and women with similar health issues is stark. Women with endometriosis endure excruciating pain, stigma, and long waits for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Personal accounts from the survey highlighted the struggle women face in being taken seriously by healthcare providers. The lack of awareness and understanding of conditions like endometriosis has led to delayed diagnoses and unnecessary suffering for many.

Despite these challenges, there is hope for change. Increased awareness, highlighted by public figures and media, is shedding light on these issues. Efforts are being made to improve healthcare practices, such as including menopause questions in health checks and addressing gynaecology waiting lists.

As we observe International Women’s Day during Endometriosis Action Month, it is crucial to break the silence around women’s health issues. Initiatives like the upcoming Women’s Health Strategy aim to reduce diagnosis times and improve healthcare for women.

Every woman deserves timely and compassionate care for conditions like endometriosis. As we work towards better understanding and treatment, we must address the systemic barriers that have long hindered women’s healthcare, advocating for a more just and equitable system.