Endometriosis Diagnoses in Ireland Take Over 14 Years, RTÉ Survey Reveals
Women in Ireland living with endometriosis wait an average of 14.5 years for an official diagnosis, according to a national patient survey commissioned by RTÉ Investigates and published as part of the documentary Fertility Uncovered.
RTÉ Survey Data Highlights Systemic Healthcare Delays
Working alongside the digital health platform Frendo, RTÉ gathered responses from nearly 1,800 women, with over 1,400 confirming they had received an endometriosis diagnosis. The data reveals that 88% of respondents waited five or more years for confirmation of the condition. Frendo founder and CEO Dearbhail Ormond described the findings as a systemic failure of government, healthcare, and a medical culture that historically conditions women to accept pain.
Before receiving an accurate diagnosis, 78% of the diagnosed respondents received a misdiagnosis, including conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and recurrent urinary tract infections. More than half of those misdiagnosed were told their symptoms constituted normal period pain.
Fertility Impacts and Access to Treatment
Endometriosis can significantly impair fertility by causing ovarian cysts and blocked or distorted fallopian tubes that prevent natural conception. Among diagnosed survey respondents, nearly 60% reported that the disease affected their family planning, with 32% experiencing difficulty conceiving and nearly 20% requiring fertility treatments such as IVF. Katie Coughlan, facing worsening symptoms and diminished egg reserves after multiple surgeries, traveled to Spain at her own expense in 2024 for private fertility consultation and preservation at age 27.
The Department of Health launched its first national endometriosis framework in October 2025 to establish a more comprehensive approach to care. According to the department, specialist services treated nearly 1,200 new patients and performed over 1,400 endometriosis-related surgeries. However, egg preservation for endometriosis sufferers remains excluded from the national scheme. To address treatment shortages, the Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme (ESAIS), introduced in October 2025, provides state-supported access to recognized overseas specialist centers for patients facing prolonged domestic wait times.
The physical and financial toll of the disease extends far beyond the healthcare system. Survey data shows that 83% of respondents experienced disruptions to their education, while 85% reported that symptoms inhibited their ability to work. Six in ten respondents lose more than six days per month to the condition, contributing to financial strain where 21% spend upwards of €3,000 annually managing their health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Endometriosis Care in Ireland
What is the average diagnosis wait time for endometriosis in Ireland?
Data from the RTÉ survey shows that women wait an average of 14.5 years for an official diagnosis, with 88% waiting five years or longer.
How does the Irish government assist patients who cannot access timely surgery domestically?
The Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme (ESAIS), launched in October 2025 by the Department of Health, provides eligible patients access to treatment at recognized overseas specialist centers.
Does the state-funded IVF scheme cover egg preservation for endometriosis patients?
No, egg preservation for endometriosis sufferers is not currently included under the criteria of the HSE free IVF scheme.
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