GPs offer two new tests to diagnose endometriosis

Endostat, a saliva test, is already being used in a pilot NHS study, while Endosur – an electrical signal test of the gut – is part of a clinical trial. Worcestershire Acute NHS Hospital Trust.

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

The new draft recommendation means that GPs can start offering either or both to some patients. Not all GPs have immediate access and its use should be supervised by a healthcare professional specializing in the diagnosis and management of endometriosis.

The NHS will continue to gather evidence on how well these tests work.

Neither is designed as an independent diagnostic test, but it does mean women can get diagnosed and treated more quickly.

Currently, the main way to diagnose a patient on the NHS is through a laparoscopy under general anaesthetic.

Emma Cox, chief executive of Endometriosis UK, welcomed the tests, saying: “The availability of these new tests is needed to coordinate with GPS education and nurses so they can find what they need more quickly and ensure that pain and symptoms are not underdiagnosed.