Understanding the NICE Guidance on Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a long-term gynaecological condition where endometrial tissue forms lesions outside the uterus, resulting in internal bleeding, inflammation, fibrosis, and adhesion formation. The condition is estimated to affect between 2 and 10% of women within the general population, but up to 50% of infertile women, and can have a significant impact on women’s, and their partners’, lives. Endometriosis is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, leading to reported lengthy delays in achieving a diagnosis. In 2017 and 2018, The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) released guidelines and quality standards on managing endometriosis. Nurses working within primary care services play an important role in raising awareness of this condition and providing a holistic individualised care for women with endometriosis.