The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended a new dedicated fertility treatment pathway for endometriosis. The updated fertility guideline includes a brand-new section specifically for those with endometriosis who are struggling to conceive.
From nice.org.uk:
This is a direct result of feedback received during public consultation, recognising for the first time that the condition requires its own tailored approach to fertility care, separate from other causes of infertility.
The dedicated endometriosis section was added to the final guideline after NICE's independent committee carefully considered feedback from patients, patient groups, clinicians and professional bodies.
Endometriosis UK and others told NICE during consultation that endometriosis was being grouped with unexplained infertility, despite it being a diagnosed condition. The committee agreed this was inappropriate and that endometriosis requires a distinct fertility pathway.
Respondents also told NICE that terms such as "mild" and "severe" endometriosis were clinically ambiguous and did not reflect the complexity of the condition or its impact on fertility. The committee agreed and these terms have been removed from the final guideline.
Emma Cox, chief executive of Endometriosis UK, said: "This year's Endometriosis Action Month theme is 'Endometriosis Doesn't Wait' - and our new State of Endometriosis Care report shows just how urgently change is needed. With average diagnosis times now standing at 9 years and 4 months — and 11 years for those from ethnically diverse communities — many have already waited far too long by the time they reach fertility services.
"Today's guidance marks a step change in the fertility support that anyone with endometriosis should receive. For years, those with endometriosis have told us they felt invisible within the fertility system - grouped with unexplained infertility despite having a diagnosed condition. We welcome NICE's decision to listen to patient voices during consultation, to create a dedicated pathway, and to remove misleading labels like 'mild' and 'severe' endometriosis.
Sanchia Alasia, trustee and support group leader for Endometriosis UK said: "I have lived with endometriosis for many years and have been through a number of IVF treatments. Because my endometriosis also affects my bowel, I required care from a multidisciplinary team - including a bowel surgeon, fertility consultant, and endometriosis specialist. Having coordinated input from all these clinicians was crucial in helping me understand my options and ensuring that decisions about fertility treatment took the full complexity of my condition into account.
“Not everyone has access to this level of joined up care, and navigating the fertility system with endometriosis can be confusing and overwhelming. That is why the updated NICE guidance is such a welcome development. It provides clearer, more consistent direction so patients can be placed on the right fertility pathway sooner, with recognition of how endometriosis can affect multiple systems and require multi specialist involvement.
Read more at: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/nice-recommends-new-dedicated-fertility-treatment-pathway-for-endometriosis
