Research News Last updated 27 October
A Birmingham City University (BCU) researcher has had evidence published in an inquiry set up by the parliamentary Women and Equalities Committee (WEC).
The inquiry, titled Reproductive health conditions: girls and young women, was launched earlier this year to address poor awareness of conditions such as endometriosis.
Professor Annalise Weckesser, Professor of Medical and Feminist Anthropology at BCU, has submitted evidence alongside academics from the University of Manchester and the University of Edinburgh.
Their research found that it can take up to 20 years to get an endometriosis diagnosis, with black women 50% less likely to get diagnosed compared to white women.
The evidence published by the inquiry also recommended several improvements:
- Targeted action to address racial and gender biases, including improved data collection and community engagement
- A national standardised menstrual health education programme, delivered by trained professionals and inclusive of boys and parents
- Mandatory training for healthcare professionals on menstrual and reproductive health, with emphasis on empathy and intersectionality
- Separation of care environments for obstetrics and gynaecology to reduce patient distress
- Development of diagnostic tools alongside system reform to prevent bottlenecks in care access
- An addition to the 10-year Health Plan for England, which currently lacks a clear strategy for reproductive health
Professor Weckesser’s research has also been used in a report by the WEC in 2024, which helped launch the inquiry.
“This latest inquiry highlights how gendered and racial health inequalities are still affecting patients,” said Professor Weckesser.
“The rate of improvement in care for conditions like endometriosis isn’t good enough, and our research shows that not much has changed over the past two decades.
“We hope this inquiry leads to long overdue government action on women’s health in the UK.”
At the launch of the inquiry, Women and Equalities Committee Chair and Labour MP Sarah Owen said: “The Committee’s 2024 report into Women’s reproductive health conditions struck a huge chord with the experiences of so many women over the years in seeking effective help.
“While it was welcome that the Government in its report response in March acknowledged that ‘women suffering with gynaecological conditions have been failed for far too long’, much more needs to be done, particularly around listening to women, improving information and education and access to healthcare services.
“WEC is determined to see faster and more tangible progress in women’s health and key to this is early diagnosis and treatment.”
Find out more about BCU’s Gender, Family and Health research cluster.