People with endometriosis and PCOS have struggled for a while - from the moment they first experience symptoms to seeking help at the doctors to their diagnosis.
With symptoms varying between each individual, meaning no two people with the same condition with experience the same symptoms, doctors can find it hard to diagnose leaving the patient suffering.
But as well as the lack of education surrounding gynaecological issues, patents will also experience dismissal due to several reasons.
As a result, a petition was launched to help increase funding for those with endometriosis and PCOS.
It reads: "Endometriosis and PCOS are two gynaecological conditions which both affect 10% of women worldwide, but both are, in terms of research and funding, incredibly under prioritised. This petition is calling for more funding, to enable for new, extensive and thorough research into female health issues.
"Many women seldom get the medical attention they require, or frequently have their symptoms miscalculated. Due to personal experience, we are aware that the average time taken for a full diagnosis for endometriosis is 7 and a half years in the UK.
"A cure for these conditions has not yet been found. It is important to us to start a conversation, to hopefully achieve funding to eventually find a cure for these conditions, or find more legitimate ways of treating symptoms."
In response to the petition, the government said: "[We are] aware of and sympathises with the hardships faced by women who experience severe symptoms from conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. While treatment is available, symptoms for both conditions vary widely, including in terms of severity. It is therefore important to seek clinical advice if women notice symptoms about which they have concern.
"Other Government-funded research includes studies to investigate new therapeutics, the genetic basis for polycystic ovary syndrome, clinical prediction models of whether surgery will be successful for endometriosis, pain management trials and research to improve reproductive outcomes for women with these conditions.
"To support women with endometriosis, all obstetricians and gynaecologists have been trained in the diagnosis, investigation and management of the condition, which is specifically listed as a topic in the core curriculum for obstetrics and gynaecology.
"Polycystic ovary syndrome is a multifaceted, polygenic condition that often starts in adolescence and may have lifelong effects - through reproductive years to post-menopause. While there is currently no “cure”, there are several options for treatment and ways that individuals can alter lifestyle to ameliorate symptoms.
"There are many effective treatments and a large body of research looking at evidence-based therapy - whether for symptoms of hyperandrogenism, menstrual cycle disturbance or infertility. There are a number of consensus papers outlining the best approach for investigation and management."
After receiving 101, 910 signatures within the six-month required period, Parliament will now debate it with it set to take place on October 18 2021.
You can read the full response here.
