New endometriosis tests set to dramatically speed up diagnosis

Women with suspected endometriosis will be able to get a much quicker diagnosis with new tests at their GP surgery - rather than take the "best part of a decade" for the condition to be detected.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has given the green light to EndoSure and Endotest on the NHS to dramatically speed up the time for a diagnosis.

Endometriosis is a painful condition where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body.

With Endotest, women give a saliva sample which is then sent off to the lab to check for tiny biological markers called microRNAs. This indicates the presence of endometriosis.

The EndoSure test can detect the condition by measuring electrical signals in the gut using sensor pads on the abdomen.

Women fast for six to eight hours beforehand and then drink water for 45 minutes during this test.

With Endotest, the lab result is returned to the GP to inform them of the next steps in diagnosis and the care of the patient.

EndoSure results are available as soon as the test is complete.

The condition affects around one in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK, but NICE says the average time it takes to get a diagnosis is more than nine years.

The new draft recommendation approves the two tests for three years in the NHS, during which time additional evidence will be collected on how well they work.

Final approval could then be given.

A third technology, DotEndo, requires more research, NICE said, before it can be approved.

In a survey of more than 10,000 women conducted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on endometriosis, over half reported visiting their GP more than 10 times before receiving a diagnosis.

Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, healthtech programme director at NICE, said: "A diagnosis of endometriosis can for some women take the best part of a decade, with the UK average standing at nine years and four months, and rising to 11 years for those from ethnically diverse communities.

"That delay means living with chronic pelvic pain that affects daily life, relationships and work.

"These technologies have the potential to change that by giving primary care professionals better non-invasive tools to identify endometriosis earlier, allowing earlier and better treatment."

Dr Gail Busby, consultant gynaecologist at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Too many of my patients have spent years being told their pain is normal when it isn't.

"These tests are a game-changer because they give us answers much earlier, without the need for invasive surgery, and that means we can start the right treatment sooner.

"An earlier diagnosis doesn't just change one person's life, it frees up appointments and surgical slots for everyone waiting for care."

(c) Sky News 2026: New endometriosis tests set to dramatically speed up diagnosis