Women’s Health in Crisis

The number of women waiting for gynecology treatment in Northern Ireland has increased by almost 18% in the past 12 months, with 59,733 women currently on waiting lists. This has led to many women experiencing unbearable pain and discomfort, with some waiting up to five years to be seen by a specialist and even longer for surgery.

The Human Cost

One woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, described her experience with endometriosis as "having barbed wire inside me, clinging to my organs." She has been forced to undergo early medical menopause due to the long waiting times for surgery, which has left her feeling angry and frustrated. "I’m only 25 and I’m doing this to my body without choice," she said. "I need surgery to remove the disease, but the waiting lists are too long. I’ve been told there are too many more serious cases ahead."

The Scale of the Problem

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) has stated that the waiting lists for gynecology services in Northern Ireland are "in crisis." The organization has reported that across the UK, a total of 743,312 women are waiting for basic gynecological care. The RCOG has called for faster and more decisive action to support women already waiting and to address the underlying capacity issues causing long delays.

The Impact on Women’s Lives

Women who are waiting for treatment have reported that their lives are being ruined by the chronic pain and discomfort caused by conditions such as endometriosis. One woman, who waited 20 years for a diagnosis, said that her life was "ruined" by the wait. "The pain is chronic – at one point I was so bloated and couldn’t eat that they thought I had ovarian cancer," she said. "Gynecological problems, and endometriosis in particular, are simply not a priority – they are debilitating and life-changing, but are simply not taken seriously by the health service."

The Need for Change

The RCOG has stated that 2026 must be a turning point for women waiting for gynecological treatment. The organization is calling for increased investment in gynecology services to address the underlying capacity issues causing long delays. "With the right investment, there is a real opportunity to change this situation for women," said Dr. Alison Wright, president of the RCOG. "By reprioritising the health needs of 51% of the population, we can make a real difference to women’s lives – ensuring they have access to the high-quality care they need, when they need it."