A Major Step Forward for Women’s Health: New Endometriosis Tests Approved

Women living with endometriosis could soon receive a diagnosis much sooner, following a landmark recommendation from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to introduce two new diagnostic technologies into the NHS.

The draft guidance recommends the early NHS use of EndoSure and Endotest, two non-invasive technologies designed to support the diagnosis of endometriosis while further evidence is gathered over a three-year period. If adopted, the move could help address one of the biggest challenges faced by women with the condition: lengthy delays in diagnosis.

A condition that affects millions

Endometriosis affects around one in ten women of reproductive age. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body, commonly affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes and pelvic lining.

Symptoms can include severe pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during or after sex, painful bowel movements, pain when urinating, fatigue and fertility problems. For many women, these symptoms can have a significant impact on work, education, relationships and everyday life.

Despite the prevalence of the condition, the average time to diagnosis in the UK is currently more than nine years, with some women waiting even longer before receiving confirmation of their condition.

What are the new tests?

The two technologies recommended by NICE work in different ways.

Endotest analyses a saliva sample for tiny biological markers known as microRNAs, which can indicate whether endometriosis is likely to be present. The sample is analysed in a laboratory before the results are returned to the treating clinician.

EndoSure uses sensor pads placed on the abdomen to measure electrical signals from the gut. Patients fast beforehand and drink water during the approximately 45-minute test, with results available immediately after the assessment.

Importantly, these technologies are not designed to replace clinical assessment or existing diagnostic pathways. Instead, they are intended to support clinicians where endometriosis is still suspected following a normal clinical examination and where imaging is negative, inconclusive or has not been performed.

A three-year NHS rollout

Rather than granting permanent approval immediately, NICE has recommended both technologies through its Early Value Assessment programme.

This means the tests could be introduced into the NHS for a three-year period while additional evidence is collected on how well they perform in routine clinical practice. At the end of this period, NICE will review the evidence before deciding whether they should become part of routine NHS care.

A third technology, DotEndo, was also assessed but requires further research before it can be recommended for NHS use.

Why this matters

Earlier diagnosis has the potential to make a significant difference for women living with endometriosis.

Long diagnostic delays can allow symptoms to worsen, prolong pain and uncertainty, and delay access to appropriate treatment. Earlier identification may also reduce the need for unnecessary investigations and help patients begin treatment sooner.

For healthcare professionals, faster diagnostic pathways could also improve access to specialist services and reduce pressure on outpatient clinics and surgical waiting lists.

While further evidence will be gathered before permanent NHS adoption is considered, NICE’s recommendation represents an important step forward for women’s health.

For many women who have spent years seeking answers, these new technologies offer the prospect of a faster, less invasive route towards diagnosis and earlier access to the care they need.

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