Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to increase awareness among healthcare professionals that endometriosis is a (a) long-term and (b) chronic condition, as recommended by the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death.

The Government recognises the challenges faced by women with endometriosis and the impact it has on their lives, their relationships and their participation in education and the workforce.

The General Medical Council has introduced the Medical Licensing Assessment to encourage a better understanding of common women’s health problems among all doctors as they start their careers in the UK. The content map for this assessment includes several topics relating to women’s health including endometriosis. This will encourage a better understanding of common women’s health problems among all doctors as they start their careers in the United Kingdom. Endometriosis is also included in the core curriculum for trainee GPs, and for obstetricians and gynaecologists.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for developing evidence-based guidance for the health and care system. In November 2024, NICE updated their guidance on endometriosis. This makes firmer recommendations for healthcare professionals on referral and investigations for women with suspected diagnosis, and will help the estimated 1 in 10 women with endometriosis receive a diagnosis faster.

The updated NICE guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG73