A growing body of research shows that women’s health concerns are frequently dismissed as being caused by emotions, stress, hormones, age, or even imagination. As a result, thousands of women experience delayed diagnoses, worsening symptoms, and long-term physical and psychological harm.
A recent study highlights the scale of this issue and raises serious concerns about gender bias in healthcare and its consequences for women across the UK.
Study Reveals Millions of Women Living With Undiagnosed Conditions
Researchers from King Edward VII’s Hospital, a charitable independent hospital, surveyed just over 1,000 women to assess their experiences with healthcare and diagnosis.
The findings were alarming:
- An estimated three million women in the UK are living with symptoms of undiagnosed women’s health conditions
- Nearly one in three women with symptoms have not received a formal diagnosis
- Around one quarter have not sought medical help
- One in four reported a negative impact on their mental health
These findings highlight a systemic problem in recognising and diagnosing women’s health conditions in a timely manner.
Study Reveals Millions of Women Living With Undiagnosed Conditions
On 18 October, BBC newsreader Naga Munchetty told the Women and Equalities Committee that she was only diagnosed with adenomyosis after consulting a private GP.
For decades, Naga experienced extremely heavy periods, repeated vomiting, and severe pain that could cause her to lose consciousness. Despite this, she was repeatedly told by doctors that her symptoms were “in her head” or not taken seriously.
Her diagnosis finally came in November of the previous year, after two weeks of heavy bleeding and intense pain led her to call an ambulance. Only then was she referred to a GP specialising in women’s reproductive health, who advised her to seek private treatment due to lengthy NHS waiting times.
Adenomyosis is a condition where the lining of the womb grows into the muscle wall, often causing severe pain and heavy bleeding if left untreated.
Other High-Profile Cases Highlight Systemic Issues
Naga Munchetty’s experience is not isolated. Television and media personality Vicky Pattison also shared her story as part of the committee’s investigation into the difficulties women face when seeking diagnosis and treatment for gynaecological and reproductive conditions.
Vicky was diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) at the age of 35, despite experiencing debilitating symptoms from her late twenties. These included:
- Crippling anxiety
- Insomnia
- Extreme fatigue
For years, her symptoms were attributed to standard premenstrual syndrome (PMS), delaying appropriate treatment and support.
The Impact of Delayed Diagnosis on Medical Negligence Claims
Our medical negligence team regularly represents clients affected by delays in diagnosing and treating conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis.
We frequently see the consequences of gender bias in healthcare, where women report feeling dismissed or not taken seriously by GPs and hospital consultants—particularly in relation to sexual and reproductive health.
How Delayed Diagnosis Affects Women’s Lives
Many of our clients describe long-term suffering due to unrecognised symptoms and delayed diagnosis. Common impacts include:
- Chronic pain and worsening physical conditions
- Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression
- Strain on personal relationships
- Social stigma around conditions such as urinary or faecal incontinence
- Loss of fertility or irreversible surgical outcomes
In some cases, delays in diagnosis have resulted in severe outcomes.
When Delayed Diagnosis May Amount to Medical Negligence
A delayed diagnosis may give rise to a medical negligence claim if:
- Symptoms were repeatedly reported but not appropriately investigated
- Reasonable diagnostic steps were not taken
- Treatment was delayed and the condition worsened as a result
- Earlier diagnosis would have led to a better outcome
Each case depends on its specific facts, but women who have suffered harm due to diagnostic delays may be entitled to compensation.
How NJS Law Can Help
Our Medical Negligence Specialists at NJS Law are experienced in handling claims involving delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and failures in women’s healthcare.
We offer:
- Compassionate, client-focused legal support
- Clear advice on whether you may have a claim
- Experience in complex gynaecological negligence cases
- A free, no-obligation consultation
If you believe your symptoms were dismissed or your diagnosis was delayed, we are here to help.
Speak to a Medical Negligence Solicitor Today
If you would like to discuss a potential medical negligence issue, please contact us to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.
We are available by phone, chat or our enquiry form and are happy to talk through your concerns in confidence.
Thinking about a claim? Read about Women's Health Negligence Claims and how No Win No Fee works, or send us your enquiry.
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