Living with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome
Over 101,000 people signed this petition calling on the Government to increase funding for research into Endometriosis and PCOS and signed this petition.
After this petition reached 100,000 signatures a debate was scheduled in the House of Commons. We on the Petitions Committee wanted to hear from those experiencing endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome about how it was affecting them and why they thought there should be more research funding provided in this area.
Hear their stories
Helen's story
"I was at a GPs conference, and a GP spoke, and she was saying how they feel a bit helpless to be honest"
Helen tells us about the painful symptoms she has experienced with her endometriosis and how managing the condition has impacted every area of her life from her ability to work full time to the planning of her upcoming wedding.
Kate's story
"My observation is that the focus of research and that investment has been on fertility, fertility is only one part of a woman’s lifelong journey"
Kate first experienced signs of polycystic ovary syndrome as soon as her periods started. 20 years later she is supporting young people as they journey through their diagnosis and life with the condition.
Nikita's story
"We don’t even know at this point what causes these conditions."
Nikita tells us how frustrating it was to get her endometriosis diagnosis and that being south Asian made this process even more challenging. She says that it’s important that research recognises how people’s intersecting identities will affect their experience of diagnosis and treatment.
Caroline's story
"Parliament debating this is a real sign that actually people are interested, over 101,000 people said this needs looking into further"
Caroline tells us about what a relief it was to finally have her diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome, but also how many more questions it left her with. She wasn't given any information about what the condition meant and how it would impact her.
MPs debated this petition on 1 November 2021. You can watch the full debate or read the debate transcript.
The Petitions Committee worked closely with the charities Verity and Endometriosis UK to share these videos with you. If you are looking for additional information or support on these conditions they are well placed to help.
Follow more work from the Petitions Committee on our website or stay updated on our Twitter page.
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