Chloe Keys, a 26-year-old from Belfast, faced debilitating health challenges due to a large uterine fibroid, measuring as large as a mango. After enduring severe symptoms for years while on NHS waiting lists, she felt compelled to seek private medical care. Her experience sheds light on the broader issues of women’s health and the challenges posed by lengthy waiting times within the NHS.
A Long Road to Diagnosis
Since her teenage years, Keys has battled with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), a condition that has significantly impacted her quality of life. In 2022, she discovered the presence of large fibroids in her uterus, which resulted in extremely heavy periods, monthly haemorrhaging, and debilitating stomach pain. The fibroids not only caused physical suffering but also led to emotional distress, manifesting as lethargy, low mood, and severe bloating.
Describing her ordeal, Keys recounted a particularly harrowing incident in Seville, where she felt compelled to navigate the city while leaving a “trail of blood” due to her condition. Such experiences rendered her virtually housebound for two weeks each month, a situation exacerbated by the lack of timely medical intervention.
The Frustration of NHS Delays
Just four weeks after undergoing surgery, Keys reflected on her journey. “I would be a shell of a human being for half the month during my period,” she lamented. Her fibroid, which had significantly enlarged before surgery, caused intense pain and left her feeling trapped in her own life. The frustration peaked during an appointment at her local hospital, where after waiting for nine months, she learned that her consultant had left, causing her to collapse in despair.
The healthcare professional had suggested an oral treatment called Ryeqo to potentially shrink the fibroids, but this came with the risk of inducing medical menopause—a scenario Keys wished to avoid at such a young age. Seeking alternatives, such as surgical options, left her feeling as though she was perceived as taking the “more difficult route,” further compounding her frustrations with the system.
A Call for Change in Women’s Health
Recent data from Hertility, a women’s health platform, indicates that over 90 per cent of women feel their concerns regarding reproductive health are often dismissed by healthcare providers. A staggering 83 per cent reported feeling their issues were not taken seriously multiple times. Deirdre O’Neill, co-founder of Hertility, emphasised the urgent need for a healthcare model that prioritises timely and personalised care for women’s health issues, advocating for a shift away from a system that encourages prolonged waiting for care.
Keys’ experiences have continued to resonate within her professional life, where she has felt compelled to conceal her health struggles. Despite the challenges posed by her condition, she has frequently attended work presentations even while dealing with heavy bleeding, fearing judgement and stigma. “It’s taboo in the corporate world,” she noted, highlighting the pervasive silence surrounding women’s health issues in professional spaces.
The Broader Implications of Healthcare Access
The NHS is currently grappling with a backlog of over seven million patients awaiting elective procedures, including gynaecological treatments. In response to the challenges faced by patients like Keys, the Manchester University Foundation Trust has expressed its regret over the delays and cancellations experienced by patients. They have stated their commitment to addressing waiting times and improving patient communication.
The ongoing situation has prompted Calls for better training and awareness within corporate environments to support employees managing women’s health issues. Keys advocates for external educators to help break the stigma and ensure that women do not have to choose between their health and their careers.
Why it Matters
The case of Chloe Keys exemplifies the urgent need for systemic change in how women’s health issues are approached within the healthcare system. As waiting times continue to rise and many women feel their concerns are overlooked, it is imperative that both healthcare providers and employers recognise the importance of timely, empathetic, and informed care. Addressing these gaps not only improves individual health outcomes but also fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in all spheres of life. The need for change is clear, and the time for action is now.
