Emma Barnett has long spoken about her battle with endometriosis, a condition she was diagnosed with at 31. Through books, open letters, and public appearances on TV and radio, she has advocated for better support and treatment for those affected. Now, Barnett is taking her message further, describing endometriosis as “a global emergency.”
In a recent Instagram post, she shared a clip of her interview with Mumsnet, where she stated, “We need to treat endometriosis like an emergency. It is not a quiet disease. It is destroying women from the inside out. It is a global emergency, and I haven’t said that in that way before, but that is what I think.”
Endometriosis causes severe pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sex, digestive issues, fatigue, and infertility. The condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other areas of the body. It affects about one in 10 women, but due to its difficulty in diagnosis and treatment, many women suffer for years before receiving the correct diagnosis. On average, it takes around 10 years for women to be diagnosed, often requiring surgery to confirm the condition.
Barnett expressed frustration over the lack of attention given to endometriosis, saying, “I am appalled that the same number at least suffer from this, and they suffer. And it’s the same number as people who have type two diabetes. It might be more, I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t, and we do not have a fucking clue. Doctors don’t know anything about endometriosis.”
Despite its widespread impact, there is still no cure or effective treatment for endometriosis. Barnett blames the historic lack of research and funding in women’s health for the limited options available. “Doctors have some ideas, but it’s often trial and error. You become a guinea pig, trying hormones or waiting for surgery,” she said.
In the UK, over 750,000 women are waiting for referrals to gynaecologists for endometriosis. Surgery can remove the lesions, but they often grow back. Hysterectomy is sometimes recommended, though it is not a cure, as the condition affects areas outside of the womb.
Barnett’s call for urgent action highlights the need for a shift in healthcare priorities to better support the thousands of women in pain every day. With advocates like Barnett speaking out, it is hoped that the medical community will take notice and act.
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