We are happy to announce the publication of the Endometriosis NICE guideline developed by the National Guideline Alliance (NGA)
Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecological disorders, affecting an estimated 10% of women in the reproductive age group (usually 15-49 years old) in the UK. It is the second most common gynaecological condition after fibroids.
It is defined as the growth of endometrial-like tissue (the womb lining) outside the uterus (womb). Although its exact cause is unknown, it is hormone mediated and is associated with menstruation.
It is a long term condition causing pelvic pain, painful periods and other symptoms that affect a woman’s quality of life.
Endometriosis presents a diagnostic and clinical challenge, with many women left undiagnosed, often for many years. Studies have reported delays of 4-10 years in diagnosis, which can result in decreased quality of life and disease progression.
The diagnostic delay is not limited to adults; endometriosis is also often missed in adolescent girls, and this guideline aims to improve care by highlighting this age group in some recommendations.
The overall aim of the guideline is to improve the diagnosis and management of endometriosis in community services, gynaecology services, and specialist endometriosis services (endometriosis centres).
It includes women with confirmed or suspected endometriosis, including recurrent endometriosis, and also women who do not have symptoms but have endometriosis discovered incidentally.
The guideline also provides an algorithm/flow-chart summary of the recommendations (PDF 484kb).
"Endometriosis: diagnosis and management" [NG73] is now published on the NICE website.