Endometriosis affects one in ten women of reproductive age in the UK. It occurs when tissue resembling the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, sometimes even spreading to distant sites such as the lungs.
It can be a debilitating condition, causing symptoms including chronic pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, extreme fatigue and pain during sex. Despite the profound impact of these symptoms on the physical and mental health of those with endometriosis, a diagnosis takes an average of 8 years and 10 months in the UK.
Currently, the diagnosis process can involve surgical procedures, ultrasounds, or MRIs, meaning that patients must wait to be scheduled for these procedures and endure lengthy waiting lists.
In March 2026, King’s College Hospital held its first ‘Hot Week’ where staff volunteered their time to work parallelly on several surgeries required by endometriosis patients.
However, exciting new advances in diagnostic technology could dramatically reduce this delay.
In July 2026, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved two new rapid tests, Endotest and EndoSure, offering hope for earlier diagnosis and transforming endometriosis care.
With Endotest, patients give a saliva sample which is tested for microRNAs, small molecules produced from DNA that can serve as biomarkers of endometriosis.
Endosure detects the condition by using sensor pads on the abdomen which measure electrical signals within the gut. These tests are highly accurate, with Endosure and Endotest correctly identifying the presence of the disease 98-99% and 97% of the time, respectively, as confirmed by surgical findings.
These tests could allow earlier diagnosis. This is invaluable, as it could not only help to prevent disease progression and improve individuals’ quality of life, but it also frees up time and resources within the NHS, potentially meaning shorter waiting lists and quicker access to care. This represents a major shift in how endometriosis is recognised and treated and is a significant step forward in women’s healthcare.
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