A new saliva test for endometriosis is in trials: What this and other new endo tests mean for you

It can take years for someone to be diagnosed with endometriosis. This can mean ongoing pain, repeated appointments and uncertainty, and delayed treatment.

However, two new tests are being trialled in the United Kingdom. One is a saliva test; the other measures electrical activity in the gut. Over the next three years, these non-invasive tests will be used in general practice patients to see if they can help diagnose endometriosis much sooner.

The promise of these and other non-invasive tests to speed up diagnosis is compelling. But the evidence is not there yet for their widespread use.

Why is endometriosis so difficult to diagnose?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue like the lining of the uterus is found outside the uterus. It commonly causes severe period and pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, bowel and bladder problems, and difficulty becoming pregnant.

Diagnosis involves assessing symptoms, a physical examination, imaging and sometimes surgery. Ultrasound and MRI can diagnose endometriosis when performed by a health professional with specific extra training.

But a normal scan does not rule out endometriosis. So laparoscopy, surgery using a small camera inserted into the abdomen, may still be considered.

Then there are the two non-invasive tests being trialled in the UK but are not available in Australia. What can these offer?
Endotest is a saliva test