General practitioners may soon be able to offer two new tests to help detect endometriosis, a condition that can cause significant pain and infertility. The draft recommendation, if finalized, could allow GPs to provide a saliva test known as Endotest and a gut electrical signal test called Endosure to some patients.
These tests are not intended to be used as standalone diagnostic tools. Instead, they are designed to help women receive a diagnosis and begin treatment more quickly than is currently possible. The current primary method for diagnosing endometriosis within the NHS involves a surgical procedure, a laparoscopy, performed under general anesthetic. Experts hope these new tests will be a game-changer, aiming to reduce the average diagnosis wait time, which can currently extend to nine years or longer.
Endotest, the saliva test, is already being utilized in a pilot study by the NHS. Endosure, which measures gut electrical signals, is part of a clinical study at the Worcestershire Acute NHS Hospital Trust. For the gut electrical signal test, patients are required to fast for six to eight hours and then drink water for 45 minutes.
The implementation of these tests will require oversight from healthcare professionals experienced in diagnosing and managing endometriosis. The NHS will continue to collect data on the effectiveness of these tests. Emma Cox, chief executive of Endometriosis UK, welcomed the potential availability of these new diagnostic tools. She emphasized the need for parallel education for GPs and practice nurses to ensure timely access for patients and to address the issue of pain and symptoms not being adequately recognized.
IMAGE4: A woman lies on a sofa at home in visible discomfort with her arms on her stomach.
Endometriosis affects approximately one in ten women and girls, and the delay in diagnosis can have a profound impact on their quality of life, leading to chronic pain, fatigue, and difficulties with fertility. The availability of less invasive and quicker diagnostic methods is seen as a crucial step forward in managing this complex condition.