Failure or A Delay In Diagnosis of Women’s Gynaecological Health Impact Negatively In Their Mental Health

A recent study discovered that women often have their health concerns dismissed as being due to emotions, stress, age, hormones, or even their imagination.

Researchers from King Edward VII’s Hospital, a charitable independent hospital, surveyed just over 1,000 women. They estimated that almost three million women in the UK are grappling with symptoms of undiagnosed women’s health conditions. Shockingly, nearly a third of them have not received an official diagnosis, and a quarter haven’t even sought medical help yet. The study also revealed that one in four women with these symptoms reported that it negatively impacted their mental health.*1

On October 18th, Naga Munchetty, a BBC newsreader, told the Women and Equalities Committee that she was diagnosed with adenomyosis only after seeing a private GP*2. Naga faced decades of being let down, not taken seriously, and being told it was all in her head by doctors, despite suffering from extremely heavy periods, repeated vomiting, and excruciating pain that could make her lose consciousness.

Finally, in November of the previous year, Naga received a diagnosis of adenomyosis, a condition where the lining of the womb grows into its muscle walls. Her diagnosis came after two weeks of heavy bleeding and severe pain that led her to call an ambulance. Only then was she taken seriously and saw a GP specialising in women’s reproductive health. That GP advised her to opt for private healthcare to avoid long NHS waiting lists.

Both Naga Munchetty and Vicky Pattison, a television and media personality, shared their experiences as part of the committee’s investigation into the challenges women face in getting diagnosed and treated for gynaecological and reproductive conditions.

Vicky was recently diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) at the age of 35. She began experiencing severe symptoms in her late 20s, including “crippling anxiety,” insomnia, and fatigue. Doctors in Newcastle and London had initially attributed her symptoms to premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Margaret Harvey, one of our Medical Negligence Solicitors who has a significant experience dealing with delays claims in diagnosing and treating endometriosis resulting in a worsening of the condition, looks at the negative impact of gender bias on medical patients who are her clients.

The general feeling of many of our clients is that they are not taken seriously when they speak to GP’s or hospital consultants about a range of health issues including sexual and reproductive health. They also feel their concerns and pain can be dismissed or minimised.

Countless women suffer in silence, having failed to get recognition of the symptoms they are experiencing. Some endure a social stigma around conditions such as urinary or faecal incontinence. Other clients report the impact on their mental health and their relationships by not having their symptoms recognised, their conditions diagnosed and their pain treated.

Margaret is currently acting on behalf of clients dealing with both a delay in diagnosing and treating adenomyosis as well as cases dealing with delays in diagnosing endometriosis. In one case due to the delay in diagnosis and a deterioration of the disease this resulted in a young woman having to undergo a hysterectomy.

Our Nicholson Jones Sutton Medical Negligence Specialists are sympathetic, understanding, and can help you get the outcome you deserve.

If you would like to discuss an issue, please get in touch to arrange a free no obligation consultation. We’re available by email or phone.

1 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/women-health-diagnosis-delay-treatment-b2280080.html

2 Naga Munchetty: I was failed and gaslit by NHS despite debilitating periods | Women’s health | The Guardian