Endometriosis: Academics call for 'direct action not discussion '

Birmingham City University academics are calling for direct action rather than further discussion in response to the parliamentary debate on endometriosis - and polycystic ovary syndrome - research and funding.

Professor Emeritus Elaine Denny, a lead authority on UK sociological investigations of endometriosis, and Dr Annalise Weckesser, author of the recent feature 'Endometriosis: Three Reasons Why Care Hasn 't Improved ', established the International Endometriosis Social Research Network in 2020.

Despite the issue first being raised in parliament 20 years ago, endometriosis remains a major issue for women, posing questions about gender health inequalities and suggesting a lack of decisive political action.

Last year the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Endometriosis published the 'Time for Change ' report, calling for improved diagnosis times, treatment and research.

But with Parliament yet again set to debate the matter this week, Professor Denny and Dr Weckesser argue that the time for talk has passed.

Professor Emeritus Elaine Denny said: “During these intervening years, social science research extensively captured the experiences of dismissal and suffering of those with the disease.

“The All Party Parliamentary Group duplicated much of these efforts, repeating a lot of what is already known. The report failed to investigate the reasons why it still takes nearly a decade to receive a diagnosis.

“These delays are indicative of the gender bias in pain treatment and cause patients to search not only for relief, but also for credibility. ”

Dr Annalise Weckesser said: “More debates and more inquiries simply mean more inaction for those already facing a long, arduous battle for diagnosis and treatment.

“The government 's current Women 's Health Inquiry also takes up endometriosis and will likely duplicate previous efforts and the substantial body of evidence already collected.

“We hope Parliament adopts the sentiment of its own APPG report. It 's time for change and action - not debate - on endometriosis research funding. ”