By Molly Lee
New data on endometriosis has been released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to add new empirical evidence to our understanding of the disease.
Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition that affects more than 1.5 million women from all races and ethnicities living with it in the UK (Endometriosis UK).
The new dataset, called ‘Characteristics of women with an endometriosis diagnosis in England: 27th March 2011 to 31 December 2021,’ uses data to analyse trends around those diagnosed with the condition in an NHS hospital.
Before this release in December 2024, there had been no population level analysis of the characteristics of women with endometriosis in England.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, said: “We’re delighted that the Government and the ONS has recognised the significance of endometriosis.”
The statistics show the average age at the time of diagnosis is about 35-years-old with a quick decline of diagnoses after reaching 44.
This is concerning, as most women show symptoms from puberty until menopause, meaning women suffer for many years before a diagnosis.
The statistics also find that there are differences in the probability of having endometriosis and receiving a diagnosis in an NHS hospital, based on their ethnic background.
The likelihood of receiving an endometriosis diagnosis was highest in white women in comparison to black, Asian and other ethnic groups in the study.
The release of the statistics comes not long after the government’s Women and Equalities Committee’s report showing the prevalence of ‘medical misogyny’ across the UK where women’s pain due to gynaecological conditions are dismissed.
“The relative lack of both data and research into endometriosis has historically made it easy to overlook or fail to grasp the seriousness of the disease – without strong evidence, decision-makers in healthcare and other sectors have either not recognised the scale of the issue,” Emma said.
Another ONS publication is due in January which will look into the impact the condition has on employment.
