Women in the United Kingdom with suspected endometriosis could receive a diagnosis much sooner after two new diagnostic tests were approved for use in GP surgeries, marking a significant step toward reducing years-long delays in identifying the condition.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued draft guidance recommending the use of EndoSure and Endotest within the National Health Service for an initial three-year period while additional evidence is gathered on their effectiveness.
Health experts have described the move as a major advance for women living with symptoms of endometriosis, a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb. The disease can cause severe pelvic pain, inflammation, scar tissue and fertility problems, affecting around one in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK.
NICE estimates that women currently wait an average of more than nine years to receive a confirmed diagnosis, often after repeated visits to doctors and specialists.
Endotest works by analyzing a saliva sample for tiny biological markers known as microRNAs, which can indicate the presence of endometriosis. The sample is sent to a laboratory, with results later provided to the patient’s GP or healthcare professional to guide further diagnosis and treatment.
EndoSure uses a different approach by measuring electrical signals in the digestive system through sensor pads placed on the abdomen. Before taking the test, patients are required to fast for six to eight hours and drink water for 45 minutes. Results are available immediately after the procedure.
NICE emphasized that neither test is intended to replace existing diagnostic methods entirely. Instead, they are designed to support clinical assessments and help patients reach diagnosis and treatment more quickly, particularly when ultrasound scans are normal or inconclusive or when imaging has not yet been performed.
A third diagnostic technology, DotEndo, was not approved at this stage because regulators said additional research is needed before it can be recommended for NHS use.
The need for faster diagnosis has been highlighted by patient experiences. A survey of more than 10,000 women conducted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis found that more than half visited their GP at least 10 times before receiving a diagnosis. More than half also reported attending emergency departments because of severe symptoms.
Current diagnostic methods include ultrasound scans, MRI examinations and laparoscopy, a surgical procedure in which a camera is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen.
The issue has also gained attention in Ireland, where more than 200,000 women and girls are believed to be affected by endometriosis. Earlier this year, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced plans for a national awareness campaign targeting schools and workplaces.
The Endometriosis Association of Ireland has also raised concerns over limited specialist services, saying many women continue to travel abroad to receive surgical treatment due to a lack of domestic capacity.
If the NHS trial proves successful over the next three years, NICE is expected to consider granting the new tests permanent approval, offering patients faster access to diagnosis and earlier treatment.
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