Why Irish women travel abroad for endometriosis care: lived experiences and structural barriers in healthcare

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterised by diverse symptom presentations, affecting approximately one in seven women in Ireland. Structural barriers to accessing appropriate, timely, and specialist care in Ireland contribute significantly to the physical and psychological burden experienced by women. Long diagnostic delays, limited treatment options, and experiences of symptom dismissal have been widely reported, and in response to these challenges women seek care overseas. Yet, little research has examined the scale of this travel or the lived realities behind it.Aims: This study aims to (1) quantify patterns of medical travel for endometriosis care, including diagnostic pathways, waiting times, treatment access, financial impacts and predictors of medical travel, and (2) explore the emotional, practical and financial impacts of seeking care abroad.Methods: A mixed-methods design is employed, combining an online survey with 12-15 semi-structured interviews. This study design was informed by discussions with individuals with lived experience and advocacy groups. Survey data will characterise medical travel patterns, while interviews, analysed using thematic analysis, will capture the lived experiences of women who sought care abroad.Results: Data collection is ongoing. Analysis will examine factors influencing decisions to seek care abroad and the impacts of medical travel on endometriosis treatment, wellbeing, and financial burden.Conclusion: By assessing the motivations and challenges associated with travel abroad for endometriosis, this study will identify gaps in endometriosis care in Ireland and their consequences for patients. The findings will contribute evidence relevant to ongoing discussions on endometriosis healthcare policy and service provision.