Endometriosis care and diagnosis
Deputy Whitmore highlighted the seriousness of endometriosis, delays in diagnosis and women being dismissed or misled. The Taoiseach said the condition is under-recognised and the Government is improving gynaecological services, with further information to follow.
As a former GP, the Taoiseach will be aware of endometriosis. The latter is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb. It is a chronic, painful and debilitating disease which means that women have to put their lives on hold. It is very difficult for them to have a normal life when they are suffering with the disease. As endometriosis impacts one in ten women, the overall number affected by it is not insignificant. It can take years for women to be diagnosed. Many women are told that it is in their head and that they need to see counsellors. The Government has made some moves recently regarding the treatment of this disease. Just this week in my constituency of Wicklow, however, one woman had to crowdfund in order to have her surgery. She did not know until the day before her surgery was to happen whether she had enough money to have it. I have also been contacted by another constituent, a young woman who is suffering from this disease. The long time between appointments and the dearth of information on her condition are really impacting on her life. What can I tell these constituents who are suffering from this disease when the come to me?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising the issue of endometriosis, which has received much more public attention in recent years. That is a very good thing because it is a disease that is often unrecognised and under-diagnosed for many different reasons. We are making significant efforts to improve gynaecological services in general. I might prepare a note for the Deputy on that. I do not want to comment on any individual case, but perhaps I could provide information more generally.