Millions of women enduring chronic health conditions feel disregarded by major political parties, highlighting a missed opportunity to address gender disparities in healthcare.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) criticized election manifestos as “disappointing,” noting the absence of pressing issues like gynecological waiting lists and chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Chronic Health Conditions Neglected
Patient groups for chronic UTI, endometriosis, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) expressed frustration over the lack of engagement or detailed plans from political parties to tackle women’s health issues. This criticism follows revelations that an estimated four million women suffer from chronic and recurrent UTIs, over 1.5 million from endometriosis, and 250,000 from EDS.
The election campaign, primarily focused on the economy, NHS, and immigration, has been criticized for neglecting common women’s health problems despite both Labour and the Conservatives promising to “prioritize women’s health” with an emphasis on maternity care.
Labour and Conservative Party Commitments
Labour has pledged to address the Black and Asian maternal mortality gap, while the Conservatives have vowed to research disparities in maternity care and propose a national strategy. Dr. Clea Harmer, CEO of Sands, a baby loss charity, acknowledged the positive focus on reducing inequalities but called for more detailed plans to improve outcomes.
Need for Comprehensive Women’s Health Strategy
With women’s health historically underfunded and services “inadequate and fragmented,” RCOG expected more concrete proposals to improve outcomes. Professor Hassan Shehata, RCOG’s Vice President for Global Health, urged the next government to develop an “ambitious vision for women’s health” and consider cross-party collaboration for maximum impact.
Addressing Chronic UTI
Despite affecting millions of women, chronic UTI was notably absent from election pledges. Specialists assert that these infections, originating from acute cystitis, embed bacteria in the bladder wall, making them hard to treat with standard antibiotics. The condition can severely impact women’s lives, leading to job loss, social isolation, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.
Approximately half of all women experience a UTI, and for around 30%, the infection becomes recurrent or chronic, potentially affecting four million women in the UK. Chronic UTI specialist Dr. Rajvinder Khasriya emphasized the need for a management strategy to aid doctors in diagnosing and treating patients until new tests and treatments are developed.
Inadequate Resources and Recognition
NHS England reports a significant link between UTIs and sepsis, with 147,285 hospital admissions for UTI in 2022-2023. Despite these numbers, there is only one NHS treatment center for chronic UTI, with a year-long waiting list. Dr. Khasriya called for official recognition of chronic UTI as a distinct condition and the development of specific diagnostic and treatment guidelines.
Endometriosis: A Call for Action
Endometriosis, affecting over 1.5 million women in the UK, involves tissue similar to the womb lining growing in other areas, causing severe pain and fertility issues. Diagnosis times have worsened, now taking nearly nine years. Despite the growing number of women awaiting treatment, political parties have not committed to reducing diagnosis times or gynecological waiting lists.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, praised the inclusion of women’s health in party manifestos but stressed the need for detailed plans. She urged the new government to reduce diagnosis times to a year or less by 2030 and ensure endometriosis and related conditions receive due priority.
Urgent Reduction of Gynecology Waiting Lists
Professor Shehata emphasized the urgency of reducing the gynecology waiting list, currently exceeding three-quarters of a million women awaiting non-cancerous procedures. He proposed a joint task force to address the unique growth in the waiting list.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Overlooked and Misunderstood
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), more common in women, has been overlooked in election campaigns despite its impact on pregnancy and chronic health. EDS involves a group of inherited conditions affecting connective tissue, causing long-term pain and fatigue.
Research indicates that hypermobile EDS (hEDS) could affect one in 500 people, with women diagnosed nearly nine years later than men. The condition poses significant risks during pregnancy, including higher rates of tearing and postpartum psychosis.
Lack of NHS Pathways for EDS
Despite evidence of long diagnostic waits and misdiagnoses, there is no formal NHS pathway for EDS. Dr. Emma Reinhold highlighted the need for a holistic approach to EDS, suggesting it could save healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.
Political Responses and Future Commitments
A Conservative Party spokesperson highlighted progress in women’s health, including increased access to hormone replacement therapy and new women’s health hubs. They pledged to prioritize women’s health in the next Parliament. The Green Party and Liberal Democrats also committed to tackling the gender health gap and increasing NHS funding.
As the election approaches, millions of women hope for a government that will genuinely prioritize their health needs and implement effective strategies to address chronic health conditions.
Conclusion
Addressing the chronic health issues faced by millions of women requires urgent and detailed action from political parties. As campaigners and experts call for comprehensive plans and recognition of these conditions, the future government must prioritize women’s health to bridge the gender disparities in care and improve the lives of countless women across the country.
