A growing body of research shows that women’s health concerns are frequently dismissed as being caused by emotions, stress, hormones, age, or even imagination. As a result, thousands of women experience delayed diagnoses, worsening symptoms, and long-term physical and psychological harm.
A recent study highlights the scale of this issue and raises serious concerns about gender bias in healthcare and its consequences for women across the UK.
Researchers from King Edward VII’s Hospital, a charitable independent hospital, surveyed just over 1,000 women to assess their experiences with healthcare and diagnosis.
The findings were alarming:
These findings highlight a systemic problem in recognising and diagnosing women’s health conditions in a timely manner.
On 18 October, BBC newsreader Naga Munchetty told the Women and Equalities Committee that she was only diagnosed with adenomyosis after consulting a private GP.
For decades, Naga experienced extremely heavy periods, repeated vomiting, and severe pain that could cause her to lose consciousness. Despite this, she was repeatedly told by doctors that her symptoms were “in her head” or not taken seriously.
Her diagnosis finally came in November of the previous year, after two weeks of heavy bleeding and intense pain led her to call an ambulance. Only then was she referred to a GP specialising in women’s reproductive health, who advised her to seek private treatment due to lengthy NHS waiting times.
Adenomyosis is a condition where the lining of the womb grows into the muscle wall, often causing severe pain and heavy bleeding if left untreated.
Naga Munchetty’s experience is not isolated. Television and media personality Vicky Pattison also shared her story as part of the committee’s investigation into the difficulties women face when seeking diagnosis and treatment for gynaecological and reproductive conditions.
Vicky was diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) at the age of 35, despite experiencing debilitating symptoms from her late twenties. These included:
For years, her symptoms were attributed to standard premenstrual syndrome (PMS), delaying appropriate treatment and support.
Margaret Harvey, one of our experienced Medical Negligence Solicitors, regularly represents clients affected by delays in diagnosing and treating conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis.
Margaret frequently sees the consequences of gender bias in healthcare, where women report feeling dismissed or not taken seriously by GPs and hospital consultants—particularly in relation to sexual and reproductive health.
Many of our clients describe long-term suffering due to unrecognised symptoms and delayed diagnosis. Common impacts include:
In some cases, delays in diagnosis have resulted in severe outcomes. Margaret is currently acting for clients where delayed diagnosis led to significant deterioration of their condition, including a case in which a young woman required a hysterectomy due to untreated adenomyosis.
A delayed diagnosis may give rise to a medical negligence claim if:
Each case depends on its specific facts, but women who have suffered harm due to diagnostic delays may be entitled to compensation.
Our Medical Negligence Specialists at NJS Law are experienced in handling claims involving delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and failures in women’s healthcare.
We offer:
If you believe your symptoms were dismissed or your diagnosis was delayed, we are here to help.
If you would like to discuss a potential medical negligence issue, please contact us to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.
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