Using data from the 2011 Census linked to hospital records from 2011 to 2021, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has conducted a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of women diagnosed with endometriosis in NHS hospitals across England.
Endometriosis, a chronic gynaecological condition, is estimated to have a 2% prevalence among reproductive age women. Whilst the ONS estimates that 262,065 women have a diagnosis of endometriosis, this is likely an underestimate of the true prevalence, as many will not have a diagnosis.
The analysis found that the average age at diagnosis is 35 years old, and the likelihood of receiving an endometriosis diagnosis was highest in the “White British”, “Black Caribbean”, and “Mixed White and Black Caribbean” ethnic groups, and lowest in the “Chinese”, “Arab”, and “Black African” ethnic groups.
Sociodemographic differences impact the likelihood of having an endometriosis diagnosis. For example, those living in the most deprived areas in England were least likely to have a diagnosis, possibly reflecting more restricted access to healthcare services. On the other end of the spectrum, the lower numbers of women in the least deprived group may reflect the use of private healthcare in these areas.
The local authorities of Knowsley, Wirral, Medway and Torbay had the highest age standardised rates in England, all above 1600 per 100,000 people. Westminster (682), Kensington and Chelsea (718), and Wokingham (743) had the lowest rates per 100,000.
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