Over 10 Million Women in England Living with Serious Reproductive Health Conditions

A groundbreaking survey has revealed that more than one in four women in England are living with a serious reproductive health issue—highlighting widespread disparities in care and a system failing to meet women's needs.

Conducted in 2023 and analysed by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the study captured responses from 60,000 women across England. The findings paint a troubling picture: 28% of participants reported experiencing reproductive morbidities such as fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pelvic organ prolapse, or cancers including cervical, uterine, ovarian, and breast cancer.

The Hidden Toll of Reproductive Health Conditions

The research estimates that over 10 million women aged 16 to 55 in England are either currently living with or have recently experienced a reproductive health issue. These range from heavy or painful periods and menopausal symptoms to fertility struggles and pregnancy loss.

A staggering 74% of women surveyed reported recent reproductive health concerns, with nearly 1 in 5 experiencing severe period pain in the past year and 40% reporting heavy menstrual bleeding.

Among young women aged 16–24, more than 30% reported suffering from severe menstrual pain, underlining how early and widespread these issues can begin.

Racial Disparities Underscore Systemic Inequality

The survey also exposed stark racial disparities. Black women were found to be 69% more likely to have a reproductive condition than white women, with 38.1% reporting an issue compared to 27.7% of white respondents. Much of this gap is driven by uterine fibroids, which were reported by 19.8% of Black women versus just 5% of white women.

Rebecca Brown, a 46-year-old graphic designer from south London, shared her experience of living with 25 large fibroids, some as large as 12cm. Initially dismissed by NHS consultants and left without basic pain management support or information, her story echoes that of many Black and mixed-heritage women who face delayed diagnoses and a lack of culturally competent care.

“I wasn’t told what fibroids were or given any advice,” Brown said. “Now I know that with Black women, fibroids can be more aggressive. But I had to find that out myself.”

A System Failing Women

Experts agree that these health issues—many of which are debilitating—are not being taken seriously enough by the healthcare system.

Dr Melissa Palmer, lead researcher from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said, “This is the first time we’ve been able to estimate the true scale of reproductive health issues in England. The findings are stark—and the inequalities are undeniable.”

Paulette Hamilton, MP and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Black Health, called the survey “confirmation of a crisis” in Black women’s reproductive health. “Our pain is too often dismissed, under-researched and inadequately treated,” she said.

“This is systemic neglect.”

She urged immediate action, including investment in targeted research, culturally competent healthcare, and structural reform to tackle systemic racism.

A Call for Action

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) also responded to the findings. Dr Ranee Thakar, president of RCOG, described the results as “a sad but unsurprising picture” of how women’s reproductive health is managed in England. “Too often, systemic, operational, and cultural barriers mean women are left without the care they need,” she said.

Professor Faye Ruddock, chair of the Caribbean and African Health Network, echoed those concerns, pointing to a widespread but often ignored pattern of neglect:

“Nearly every Black woman I know has lived with fibroids, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, or painful periods. These issues are rooted in a mix of genetics, stress, and healthcare inequities.”

She called for healthcare services that are both accessible and culturally sensitive, alongside greater awareness of how reproductive conditions present in Black women.

Government Response

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the inequalities and said that improving care for women was a priority.

“We recognise the stark health disparities in Britain today and are committed to addressing them. This starts with listening to women of all backgrounds and delivering the high-quality care they deserve.”

As waiting lists continue to grow and access to gynaecological care remains patchy, the survey’s findings demand urgent attention. Women across England—particularly Black women—are calling not just for better care, but for fundamental change in how their health is valued, researched, and treated.