Two tests GPs can soon offer to help spot endometriosis
Two Tests GPs Can Soon Offer to Help Spot Endometriosis
A New Approach to Faster Diagnosis
Two tests GPs can soon offer - Endometriosis, a condition that affects one in 10 women, may soon have two new non-invasive diagnostic tools available through general practitioners (GPs). These tests aim to reduce the lengthy wait times patients currently face, which can span several years. The first involves analyzing saliva for genetic markers, while the second uses sensor pads on the abdomen to measure electrical signals in the gut.
The NHS in England and Wales is set to recommend both tests as part of updated guidance. While they are not standalone solutions, they could significantly speed up the identification of the disease, where womb-like cells grow in other parts of the body. Patients will need to fast for six to eight hours before undergoing the gut test, which also requires drinking water for 45 minutes.
“I started to doubt myself, wondering if it was all in my head,” said Ami Robertson, a 23-year-old Pilates instructor from Glasgow. “No one should have to wait years to be believed.”
Ami experienced endometriosis symptoms since she was 16 but was repeatedly told they might be caused by conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. After years of uncertainty, she opted for private testing that confirmed her diagnosis, leading to surgery. Her story highlights the challenges many women face in getting an accurate diagnosis.
Real-Life Impact and Patient Stories
Sharan Uppal, 46, from Huddersfield, shared a similar struggle with her daughter Simran, who was 15 at the time. “I lost count of how many times I took Simran to the GP,” Sharan said. “We ended up in A&E three or four times, spending over 10 hours on one occasion, and nobody would take ownership.”
“It gave me the empowerment to go back to our GP and push for a referral. That test opened doors for us to get Simran the help she needed,” Sharan explained.
Both tests are currently in various stages of research. The saliva-based Endotest is part of a pilot study within the NHS, while Endosure, which detects gut electrical signals, is being tested at the Worcestershire Acute NHS Hospital Trust. Experts emphasize that these tools are designed to complement existing methods, such as laparoscopy—a surgical procedure requiring general anaesthesia—which remains the primary diagnostic technique.
Call for GP Awareness and Evidence Collection
Emma Cox, chief executive of Endometriosis UK, praised the potential of the new tests but stressed the importance of training healthcare professionals. “Availability of these new tests needs to go hand-in-hand with education of GPs and practice nurses to ensure prompt access to those that need them,” she said. “An end to pain and symptoms not being recognised is within reach.”
The NHS will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of these tools. If successful, they could transform the diagnostic journey for thousands of women, offering hope to those who have endured prolonged uncertainty. Have you waited a long time for an endometriosis diagnosis? Get in touch to share your experience.