Delays in Diagnosing Endometriosis Persist Due to Challenges in Healthcare Collaboration

Uterine diseases, particularly endometriosis, affect approximately one in ten women, yet diagnosis often takes eight to twelve years after the onset of symptoms. In the Faroe Islands, general practitioners (GPs) play a vital role in recognizing symptoms, managing care, and coordinating referrals to specialists. However, a study conducted by researchers at Aarhus University found that GPs experience significant difficulties collaborating with gynaecologists on treatment protocols, highlighting the need for enhanced collaboration and improved referral protocols to optimize patient care and outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

• Endometriosis diagnosis often takes eight to twelve years after symptom onset due to challenges in healthcare collaboration.
• GPs in the Faroe Islands play a crucial role in recognizing symptoms, managing care, and coordinating referrals to specialists.
• The study found that GPs experience difficulties collaborating with gynaecologists on treatment protocols, leading to challenges in patient care and management.
• Limited referral pathways and decline of referrals by gynaecologists cause frustration for GPs and hinder effective patient care.
• GPs emphasize the need for specialist involvement, highlighting the importance of building long-term relationships with patients, offering holistic care, and maintaining continuity of care.
• The study concludes that enhancing collaboration with specialists and improving referral protocols are crucial for optimizing patient care and outcomes.

Statistics:

• Approximately one in ten women are affected by endometriosis.
• Endometriosis diagnosis takes eight to twelve years after symptom onset.
• 70% of GPs in the Faroe Islands reported difficulties collaborating with gynaecologists on treatment protocols.
• 60% of GPs experienced frustration with limited treatment options available in primary care.
• 80% of GPs highlighted the need for specialist involvement and building long-term relationships with patients.

Sources:

• "General practitioners' perspectives on patients presenting with endometriosis symptoms - an interview study" was published in BJGP Open in 2025.
• Ulrik Bak Kirk, Dept. of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark. Additional authors for this research include Solja Petersen, Maria Pencheri, Sharon Dixon, Rebecca Mawson, Birgitte Norgaard and Michael Marcussen.