The number of women in the UK awaiting gynaecological care has more than doubled since February 2020, with over 760,000 on waiting lists, according to recent reports. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) warns that the crisis is causing severe harm to women’s physical and mental health, leaving many unable to work or carry out daily activities. The situation has worsened significantly since the pandemic, with waiting lists growing by more than 100% in just a few years.
Anna Cooper, a 31-year-old from North Wales, has been waiting for gynaecological care for years due to severe endometriosis. Speaking to the BBC, she shared how the condition has caused permanent organ damage, forced her to undergo 17 operations, and left her reliant on morphine to manage daily pain. “Doctors told me the pain was in my head for years,” she says. “If my condition had been diagnosed earlier, my life would be completely different.” Cooper had to turn to private healthcare, borrowing £25,000 for surgeries, but acknowledges that many women cannot afford this option.
India Weir, a 27-year-old from Edinburgh, shared her experience with ITV News, explaining how she has lived with chronic pelvic pain since 2017 and is currently waiting for surgery to treat endometriosis and ovarian cysts. “It affects every part of my life,” she says. “My relationships, social life, and career have all suffered, and the uncertainty of when I’ll be treated is unbearable.”
RCOG’s report, Waiting for a Way Forward, reveals that 76% of women on gynaecology waiting lists report a decline in their mental health, while 69% struggle with basic daily tasks. It also notes that healthcare professionals are overwhelmed, with many reporting that increasing pressures are harming their own health and well-being.
Despite government assurances, the backlog continues to grow. NHS England reports that over 22,000 women have waited more than a year for appointments, compared to just 66 in February 2020. While some regions have seen slight improvements recently, progress remains far behind what is needed. Dr. Ranee Thakar, RCOG president, criticises the systemic neglect of women’s health, saying, “Gynaecology is the only elective speciality that solely treats women, and it has one of the worst waiting lists in the UK. Women are suffering, and urgent action is needed.”
The crisis highlights broader societal issues. Delays in treatment not only exacerbate health problems but also impact the UK economy, with an estimated £11 billion lost annually due to absenteeism caused by conditions like endometriosis and fibroids. Experts stress that long-term funding and structural reform are essential to addressing this issue. RCOG is calling for immediate government action to prioritise women’s health and support those languishing on waiting lists.
The implications of this crisis extend beyond individual cases. As Jane Plumb, Women’s Voices lead at RCOG, states: “Healthy women are the cornerstone of healthy societies. If we get it right for women, everyone benefits.” The government’s promises must translate into tangible changes, as millions of women across the UK continue to suffer while waiting for essential care.
