Hansard

I thank Rachael Hamilton for securing this important debate. As we have already heard, around one in 10 women suffers with endometriosis. It can affect fertility, cause chronic pain, depression, fatigue and severely impact the quality of life of those who suffer with the condition.

The actual cause of endometriosis is unknown. There are several potential risk factors or triggers, but none of them fully explains why some and not others develop the condition. It can last between puberty and menopause or for much longer.

It is estimated that endometriosis costs the UK economy £8.2 billion a year. Many will feel the financial impact through lost days of work, or not being able to work at all. For many who have endometriosis, the quality of life impacts will be severe. The mental health impact of endometriosis needs more recognition and better support. The current average time to diagnosis is eight years, which, as we have all recognised, is too long. I welcome the commitment in the women’s health plan to reduce it to less than 12 months.

There are many gynaecological conditions that have similar symptoms and lengthy waits before diagnosis. To ensure that we get everyone the correct help and treatment, we need to reduce diagnosis times across the board, and raise awareness of the specific conditions. In previous women’s health debates, many of the MSPs who spoke noted that, at some point, they felt that their symptoms were not taken seriously. We need to address why that is happening, otherwise those who are suffering will continue to not come forward to raise their symptoms.

I take the opportunity to thank the MSPs and campaigners who worked to bring the condition to the forefront in the previous session. As a result, we have seen wider recognition, and I am sure that many people are now seeking support for their symptoms after seeing that others are also experiencing them. It is important that we continue to talk about our experiences and break the stigma around talking about gynaecological issues and the symptoms that they cause.

Rachael Hamilton mentioned menstrual health, but she did not have time to elaborate further, so I hope that members will indulge me for briefly covering another gynaecological issue. Previously, I have asked about ensuring that polycystic ovarian syndrome is appropriately recognised in the women’s health plan. On average, it takes three years for a diagnosis, and those seeking help will see three doctors before being diagnosed. Similar to endometriosis, without interventions, symptoms can deteriorate and serve as a risk factor for other conditions, such as heart disease. Symptoms can include irregular periods, fertility issues, weight gain or issues losing weight, and hirsutism, which is excessive body hair growth that is usually dark and coarse. In a world in which appearance is routinely judged, that can severely impact women’s confidence and their mental health.

Often, those seeking help are simply told that losing weight will resolve their symptoms, with no recognition of the increased insulin resistance that can come with PCOS. One of the many tests for diagnosis is the test for different hormone ranges. For someone who suffers those symptoms to be told that they cannot be given a diagnosis because their hormones are borderline okay can leave them feeling adrift and helpless. I am one of those who is seeking a potential PCOS diagnosis, and alongside those who are raising awareness of treatment standards of endometriosis, I want to do more.

To those who are struggling with symptoms of endometriosis, PCOS or any other gynaecological condition, I say that you are not alone. Your weight or your body hair does not define you. Choose to embrace it and choose to deal with it. Do not let society shame your body—it is the one that gets you around during the day. Whether you have hair on your arms or face, or whether you have a period, it does not reduce your worth.

We need to break down the societal stigma as we work to ensure that our health services are able to diagnose and treat appropriately in a timely manner. We need to allow GPs time to do the research and update their knowledge. The entire health service is under extreme pressure, and it would be negligent not to acknowledge the impact that the pandemic will have on our ambitions for treatment times. That does not mean that we should not be striving for quicker diagnosis now, but it is important to be realistic.

I thank Rachael Hamilton for securing the debate, and I thank all colleagues who have shared their stories this evening.