Endometriosis UK welcomes the new NHS initiative called Jess’s Rule that urges GPs in England to ‘think again’ if they see a patient three times and cannot identify a diagnosis, or find symptoms are getting worse. While the rule was influenced by the tragic case of cancer patient Jessica Brady, it is a positive development for those living with endometriosis symptoms for whom it takes on average up to nearly 9 years to get a diagnosis. A 2024 report by Endometriosis UK found that 47% of people surveyed reported seeing a GP 10 or more times before being diagnosed.
Those with endometriosis often have their symptoms dismissed, not believed, or told it is ‘normal’. Not only without a diagnosis can the disease progress, symptoms can also impact on all aspects of someone’s life including physical and mental health, work and education.
In addition to implementing Jess’s Rule governments must ensure that all healthcare practitioners receive the appropriate level of education and recognise the signs of endometriosis, so those with symptoms do not continue to have to make repeated visits to their GP to seek help and are supported to access care at the earliest opportunity.
We hope that the creation of Jess’s Rule provides some comfort to the family and friends of Jessica Brady, and that it is actively embraced by GPs so that people with serious conditions do not suffer unnecessarily and get a diagnosis and appropriate help as soon as possible.
