There is something we hear far too often in conversations about women’s health:
“I knew something wasn’t right, but I just kept waiting.”
Waiting for an appointment. Waiting for a referral. Waiting for a scan. Waiting for results. Waiting for the next appointment to discuss those results.
For women living with persistent pelvic pain, extremely painful periods, heavy bleeding or symptoms of conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis, that wait can have a very real impact on everyday life.
And sometimes, the hardest part is simply feeling that nobody is joining the dots.
Why are women waiting so long for answers?
There are many excellent healthcare professionals working within women’s health, but the system they are working within is under considerable pressure.
NHS England figures continue to show significant diagnostic waiting lists. In March 2026, around 1.9 million people were waiting for one of 15 key diagnostic tests in England, including more than 674,000 waiting for a non-obstetric ultrasound.
For women with suspected endometriosis, the journey can be particularly long.
Research published by Endometriosis UK found that it now takes an average of 8 years and 10 months from first seeking medical help to receiving an endometriosis diagnosis in the UK.
In its survey of 4,371 people who had received a diagnosis, almost half reported visiting their GP ten or more times with symptoms before diagnosis. Many also described having the severity of their symptoms questioned during their journey.
These are not symptoms women should simply have to learn to live with.
Painful periods are not something you always have to put up with
Period pain is common. But pain that regularly stops you going to work, sleeping, exercising, socialising or carrying out your normal routine deserves medical attention.
The same applies to very heavy bleeding or persistent pelvic symptoms.
Possible symptoms that may warrant further investigation include:
Very painful periods
Heavy periods
Persistent or recurring pelvic pain
Pain during sex
Bleeding between periods
Irregular menstrual cycles
Persistent bloating or a feeling of heaviness
Changes to your usual periods
Symptoms that are beginning to interfere with everyday life
These symptoms can have many different causes and experiencing them does not necessarily mean you have endometriosis or adenomyosis.
That is precisely why assessment matters.
Endometriosis and adenomyosis: what’s the difference?
Although they can cause similar symptoms, endometriosis and adenomyosis are different conditions.
With endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body, commonly within the pelvis.
Adenomyosis occurs when tissue from the lining of the womb grows into the muscular wall of the womb. Symptoms can include severe period pain, heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating and pain during sex.
Diagnosing the cause of pelvic symptoms is not always straightforward.
Ultrasound can be an important part of investigating gynaecological symptoms and is commonly used when adenomyosis is suspected. However, a normal ultrasound does not necessarily rule out endometriosis.
Your symptoms, medical history, examination and any appropriate investigations all need to be considered together.
What if you have already sought help but still don’t have answers?
This is important.
Seeking a second opinion does not mean starting again or dismissing the care you have already received.
You might have already seen your GP. You may already be on an NHS waiting list. You might have had investigations but still be unsure what happens next.
Private gynaecology can provide another route to obtaining specialist advice while you navigate that process.
At Your Chester GP in Chester, Consultant Gynaecologist Mr Masroor K. Cheema can assess your symptoms, discuss your history and talk through the appropriate next steps with you.
Mr Cheema has more than 25 years of specialist experience in women’s health and is known for his calm, patient-focused approach.
Sometimes simply having the time to explain what has been happening, ask questions and understand what could happen next can make a considerable difference.
Private gynaecology care in Chester
Your Chester GP provides access to specialist gynaecology care from its clinic in Chester city centre.
Mr Cheema regularly sees women experiencing concerns including:
Pelvic pain and suspected endometriosis
Heavy or painful periods
Irregular menstrual cycles
Fibroids and polyps
Ovarian cysts
Menopause and hormonal changes
Postmenopausal bleeding
Other symptoms requiring further investigation
Where appropriate, patients can also access further investigations and procedures including hysteroscopy, treatment for some fibroids and polyps, laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal and total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Your Chester GP also provides private pelvic ultrasound services, including transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound, where clinically appropriate.
The aim is not simply to arrange another appointment.
It is to help you understand what may be causing your symptoms and what your options are from there.
You don’t have to wait until your symptoms become unbearable
One of the messages Mr Cheema has returned to throughout our Women’s Health Series is simple:
If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked.
You know what is normal for your body.
If your periods have changed, pain is affecting your everyday life or you have been living with symptoms without getting the answers you need, it may be time to speak to someone.
Whether you are looking for an initial assessment, further investigation or a second opinion, you can book a private gynaecology consultation with Mr Cheema at Your Chester GP.
Contact Your Chester GP today to arrange your appointment.
Alternatively, our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about which scan may be right for you.
Call us today on 01244 575 888
Email us at enquiries@yourchestergp.co.uk
