March is Endometriosis Action Month – a time to raise awareness and drive change for the 1.5 million women with endometriosis in the UK.
Markus Campbell-Savours MP has pledged his support for Endometriosis Action Month, a month highlighting the many challenges affecting the 1.5 million living with endometriosis in the UK and the need for national change.
Despite affecting 1 in 10 women [and those assigned female at birth], new research released this Endometriosis Action Month by charity Endometriosis UK shows that only 50% of young adults in the UK know what endometriosis is.
The shocking lack of awareness is leaving those with the condition facing an average of almost 9 years for a diagnosis, leading to loss of education and work productivity, often impacting both physical and mental health.
That’s why this month Markus Campbell-Savours MP has pledged his support for the 1 in 10 with endometriosis in Penrith and Solway.
Markus Campbell-Savours MP said: “Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women in Penrith and Solway and this Endometriosis Action Month I am pledging my support by raising awareness of this often-devastating disease. "
Despite its prevalence, latest research from Endometriosis UK highlights that it currently takes on average nearly 9 years to get a diagnosis, and it’s a disease only 50% of young adults have ever even heard of.
Not only without a diagnosis can the disease worsen, but it can have a huge impact on all aspects someone’s life. I look forward to working with Endometriosis UK and my constituents to raise vital awareness of endometriosis".
Faye Farthing, Head of Communications at Endometriosis UK added: “We are delighted to have the support of Markus Campbell-Savours MP during Endometriosis Action Month. It's shocking that despite being the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK, only 50% of young adults have ever even heard of it. It is vital that every young person is taught in school what is and isn’t normal and feels empowered to seek help if needed.
Without this knowledge, young people will continue to suffer in silence, missing out on vital education, future employment opportunities, as well as impacting on physical and mental health. The lifelong impact of this cannot be overstated. We therefore look forward to working with MPs and the Government to improve education and care for the 1.5million women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis in the UK”.
Key statistics:
A poll of 2,000 members of the public conducted in February 2025 revealed that:
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64% recognise endometriosis as a gynaecological health condition- up from 53% in 2024
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50% of 16-24 year olds do not know what endometriosis is.
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33% do not have open conversations about periods and menstrual health with anyone.
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60% would not know how to support someone they were close to if they got diagnosed with endometriosis.
Latest research by Endometriosis UK from a survey of 4,371 people who have received a diagnosis of endometriosis in March 2024 found that:
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It currently takes on average 8 years and 10 months in both England and Scotland to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis, 9 years and 5 months in Northern Ireland, and 9 years 11 months in Wales.
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Almost half of all respondents (47%) had visited their GP 10 or more times with symptoms prior to receiving a diagnosis, and 70% had visited 5 times or more.
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Only 10% of respondents reported that GPs mentioned they suspected endometriosis at either their first or second appointment where symptoms were discussed.
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52% had visited A&E at least once, and fewer than a fifth of those (17%) were referred to gynaecology at their first visit. 26% of respondents visited A&E 3 or more times with symptoms prior to diagnosis.
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20% reported seeing a gynaecologist 10 or more times before being diagnosed.
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78% of people who later went on to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis had experienced one or more doctor telling them they were making a ‘fuss about nothing’ or similar comments and many had the severity of their symptoms questioned by healthcare practitioners. The number of people reporting this experience has increased from 69% in our 2020 survey.