DOCTORS across Wales lauded training at the weekend which will help recognise the symptoms of endometriosis earlier, to improve women’s care.

One in 10 women suffer from endometriosis in Wales, a painful condition which can take years to diagnose.

It is a priority area in the Women’s Health Plan for Wales, which was launched six months ago.  

The new expert-led training programme is one of the women’s health initiatives Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) provides for GPs.

Obstetrics and gynaecology consultant Dr Mirka Slavska delivered the training and said: “The session covered differential diagnoses, referral pathways, novel diagnostic and treatment options, and introduced the Endometriosis Cymru symptom reporting tool.

“The excellent feedback we received reflects the value of equipping healthcare professionals with current, practical knowledge to improve care for those living with endometriosis.”

The endometriosis training has led to a 43 per cent increase in participating GPs’ knowledge of the condition and more confidence in discussing symptoms and treatment options with women.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy said: “Women have told us that they feel they are not heard, and their symptoms are ignored.

“This training ensures women’s voices are central to their healthcare experience, and it helps GPs support their patients more effectively.”

Women’s Health in Wales clinical lead Dr Helen Munro told the Everywoman Festival in Cardiff on Saturday about the development of new health hubs for women.

“Meeting women’s needs across their life course will be at the heart of the new women’s health hubs,” she said.