12.03.25
Hi Claudia,
An exclusive Google search analysis by Saga Health Insurance reveals UK searches for ‘signs and symptoms of endometriosis’ and ‘does endometriosis affect fertility’ both increased by 5,000% in February 2025, just before Endometriosis Awareness Month (March). When surveyed, 51% of British women admitted to turning to Google as their first port of call to self-diagnose their health concerns.
Though online communities have revolutionised endometriosis awareness, Saga Health Insurance and Dr. Deborah Lee, a registered GP and Reproductive Healthcare and Menopause Specialist, caution patients of misinformation online and increased anxiety around fertility and treatment.
Dr Lee says: "While online resources can be useful, misinformation can lead to unnecessary anxiety, incorrect assumptions about fertility and treatment, and delayed diagnosis. Patients should always verify information with a healthcare professional."
Saga’s research discovered that after turning to Google to self-diagnose, 76% of women reported increased levels of anxiety.
Please refer to the press release below from Saga Health Insurance and find more expert commentary from Dr. Lee around endometriosis being commonly misdiagnosed as IBS, pelvic inflammatory disease, or even mental health disorders.
Thanks, and best wishes,
Saskia
Immediate release | March 2025
Google vs. GPs: Why Women Are self-diagnosing endometriosis online
Research by Saga Health Insurance reveals Google searches for ‘endometriosis’ were 89% higher this January and February compared to the same months in 2024.
In the past month alone (03/02/2025-03/03/2025) searches for ‘how to diagnose endometriosis’, ‘signs and symptoms of endometriosis’, ‘does endometriosis affect fertility’, and ‘laparoscopy’ have all increased by 5,000% signaling increasing curiosity this Endometriosis Awareness Month (March).
Saga Health Insurance and Dr. Deborah Lee, registered GP and Reproductive Healthcare and Menopause Specialist, reveal why endometriosis remains difficult to diagnose in 2025 and how digital platforms have revolutionised its awareness, but shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
Endometriosis remains commonly misdiagnosed for IBS or even mental health disorders
Dr. Lee, from Dr Fox Pharmacy comments: “Endometriosis is often misdiagnosed due to its varied symptoms, which overlap with other conditions like IBS, pelvic inflammatory disease, or even mental health disorders. Many women experience long delays in diagnosis, with some dismissed as having a low pain tolerance. The only definitive diagnosis method, laparoscopy, requires surgery, making it a challenging decision for doctors.”
Why some women are driven to self-diagnose online
Recent research by Saga Health Insurance found 78% of women have delayed making an appointment with their GP, even when they felt they needed one. Most (51%) said they didn’t think their problem was serious enough.
Instead, women are increasingly turning to the internet to diagnose their health concerns. Saga’s research found 51% turn to Google as their first port of call to self-diagnose ailments.
Dr Lee says: “Difficulties in accessing GP appointments drive many women to seek answers online.”
“The internet and social media have played a major role in raising awareness. Platforms like TikTok provide a space for women to share experiences, express frustrations with the healthcare system, and find support that hasn’t always existed.
“They can also attend their Gynaecology appointment armed with questions, which means the appointment is much more likely to be satisfactory which in turn lowers anxiety.”
However misleading information online can lead to unnecessary anxiety around fertility
Saga’s research also found that after turning to Google to self-diagnose, 76% of women reported increased levels of anxiety.
Dr Lee explains: “While online resources can provide useful information, they also pose risks of misinformation, leading to unnecessary anxiety or delayed medical diagnosis. Many women turn to the internet due to embarrassment or convenience, but self-diagnosing based on unreliable sources can result in incorrect assumptions about fertility, treatment options, and disease severity.
“Online communities offer validation, but they should not replace professional medical advice. Social media often contains non-evidence-based treatments and personal experiences that may not apply universally.
“Patients should verify information with healthcare professionals to ensure accuracy.”
How to investigate suspected endometriosis
“Seeking GP advice early is crucial, as early diagnosis can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Patients should prepare for appointments by keeping symptom diaries and consulting reputable sources like the NHS or Endometriosis UK.”
As part of Saga’s healthcare plans, each plan provides unlimited access to the Saga GP Service. This service offers unlimited private telephone and video consultations for physical and mental health concerns, which can be accessed 365 days a year.
ENDS