Recent data shows the average time for diagnosing endometriosis in Northern Ireland at 9 years and 10 months. This represents a rise from 8 years and 6 months in 2020, based on a survey by Endometriosis UK.

Kathleen Mulholland, aged 40 from Belfast, received her diagnosis after 19 years. She attended accident and emergency seven times within two weeks due to intense pain before gaining proper attention. The condition disrupted her education, work, hobbies, sports, social life, mental health and ability to have children.

The survey across the UK found 39 percent of respondents visited a GP at least 10 times before the condition was suspected. Of those attending A&E, 55 percent went for related symptoms, but 46 percent left without treatment.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue like the womb lining develops in other parts of the body. It affects about 1 in 10 women, with roughly 1.5 million cases in the UK.

Emma Cox, chief executive of Endometriosis UK, highlighted prolonged suffering from delays in Northern Ireland. She seeks enhanced training for health staff, reduced gynaecology waits and more NHS funding. The group pushes UK governments, including Northern Ireland's, to cut average diagnosis to one year by 2030 through dedicated funding, mandatory training, school education on menstrual health and formal recognition as a chronic illness.

Órlaithí Flynn, Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, described the waits as unacceptable. She urged the Health Minister to set up specialist services and pursue an all-island effort with counterparts in the Republic of Ireland.