Manx Care: 'It's important that we push for greater awareness and earlier intervention' for endometriosis sufferers

Health body cites results of 2023 Women’s Health Island Survey

It is 'important that we push for greater awareness and earlier intervention to ensure those suffering from endometriosis are diagnosed and treated in a timely and effective manner'.

That's the message from Manx Care, which says it is undertaking 'a number of actions' to address the issue on the Island.

One sufferer, Zara Chadwick, has set up a survey, and petition, calling on government to take 'immediate steps' to improve care for patients with the condition. 

She says there are ‘massive gaps’ in diagnosis, treatment and support here on the Island.

You can read more here.

Manx Radio asked Manx Care for a response to Zara's concerns.

The health body has provided the following statement: 'Diagnosing endometriosis remains one of the biggest challenges in gynaecological healthcare. This is a global challenge and there are several factors that contribute to this such as:

• Symptoms – IBS, fibroids or cysts, pelvic adhesions or pelvic inflammatory diseases overlap and need to be ruled out in the first instance.
• Lack of awareness and training -   This can contribute to symptoms being overlooked.
• Limited non-invasive diagnostics – Unfortunately there is no blood test that can diagnose endometriosis, and it does not always show up on scans. In many cases a definitive diagnosis requires laparoscopic surgery which can contribute to delays and some women do not want to undergo an invasive surgical procedure.   

'A delay in the diagnosis of Endometriosis can have a significant impact on quality of life, and therefore it is important that we push for greater awareness and earlier intervention to ensure those suffering from endometriosis are diagnosed and treated in a timely and effective manner.

'In August 2023 Women and Children’s Services launched the first Women’s Health Island Survey and received over 1,000 responses within an eight-week period. 

'The purpose of the Women Health’s Survey was to hear the voices of the women on the Isle of Man and identify what our women considered to be a priority. 

'Gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids featured in the top five priorities along with menopause, cancer, pregnancy and pregnancy loss and mental health. A number of actions have been taken to address the identified priorities and the feedback received from the survey. 

'With regards to Endometriosis the following actions are in motion:

• Increased awareness campaigns for healthcare professionals – Women & Children’s services is hosting a training event for healthcare professionals within Primary and Secondary Care. The event is taking place on 21 March 25 and will incorporate our Consultant Gynaecologists who has an interest in endometriosis and whom will be discussing symptoms, diagnosis and pathways. Following this there will be a video called “Below the Belt”. The license for the video/documentary has been purchased by Henry Bloom Trust and follows 4 women on their endometriosis journeys, exploring treatment options and infertility struggles. Following this there will be a patient story from one of our local women describing her experience. In addition, a ‘MCALs In Your Shoes’ event will be held in the near future for the general public. A similar event focusing on Menopause has already been held and it proved to be popular with the public.
• Streamline Diagnosis Pathways – Gynae Services are looking to streamline pathways and implement a standardised symptom checklist in primary care to support referrals.
• Greater awareness – Women and Children’s aim to have information on endometriosis digitalised to support patients. Patient advocacy groups are involved in the Women’s Health Steering Group to help develop/ improve endometriosis care and put endometriosis in the spotlight.

'By focusing on these key areas, we will be able to improve endometriosis care for women living on the island.'