England and Wales will launch a three-year trial offering two new diagnostic tests for endometriosis through general practitioners, according to draft guidance released this week by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. The condition, which affects one in ten women and people assigned female at birth in the UK, occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the womb, causing symptoms including pelvic pain, heavy periods, fatigue, and infertility.
The two proposed tests are Endosure, which measures electrical signals in the gut using sensor pads placed on the abdomen, and Endotest, a spit test that identifies genetic material. While neither test provides definitive diagnosis, both can indicate the presence of endometriosis and inform specialist referrals. However, implementation will face limitations initially, as not all GPs will have immediate access and testing must be overseen by healthcare professionals with expertise in endometriosis diagnosis and management.
Patient advocates and support organizations have expressed cautiously optimistic views while identifying significant concerns. Abbie Filer, a 27-year-old diagnosed in 2024 after a decade of symptoms, notes that the tests represent progress but worries about existing diagnostic barriers and uneven service provision across different regions. Filer suggests that increased specialist capacity is needed alongside testing availability to address current waiting times for treatment. Similar concerns were raised by Helen Brewster of the charity Hey Endo!, who emphasizes that test availability must be paired with adequate healthcare infrastructure to handle potential demand increases.
Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a general practitioner, explained that while the tests cannot offer absolute confirmation, they could streamline the diagnostic process. She noted that endometriosis symptoms often overlap with other conditions, leading to patients receiving incorrect diagnoses and inappropriate treatments for years. Reducing diagnosis times through these new tests could significantly improve outcomes for affected individuals currently experiencing unnecessary suffering and disability.
Originally reported by BBC News. Read the full story →