Early detection of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a long-term gynaecological condition that affects around one in ten women of reproductive age. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in areas outside the uterus, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. Early detection can help improve quality of life and reduce the risk of complications, yet many women experience delays in diagnosis.

What are the signs of endometriosis?

Symptoms can vary from person to person and are sometimes mistaken for other conditions. This contributes to delayed diagnosis, which often takes several years. Common symptoms include:

Pelvic pain, especially during menstruation
Pain during or after sex
Heavy or irregular periods
Pain when passing urine or during bowel movements
Fatigue and low energy levels
Difficulty getting pregnant

Some women may have no symptoms, which can make early identification more difficult.

Why is early detection important?

Identifying endometriosis early allows for timely management, helping to prevent the condition from progressing. Without intervention, symptoms can worsen, and the growths may cause scarring, adhesions, or damage to reproductive organs.

Early detection offers the following benefits:

Reduces the severity and duration of symptoms
Helps preserve fertility in some cases
Prevents long-term complications such as organ damage or bowel obstruction
Improves overall quality of life
Allows more treatment options, including less invasive choices

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a clinical history and pelvic examination. However, because symptoms overlap with other conditions, further investigations are often needed. These may include:

Ultrasound scan: Especially useful for detecting larger ovarian cysts (endometriomas), though smaller lesions may not be visible
MRI scan: Can provide a clearer picture in certain cases
Laparoscopy: A keyhole surgical procedure used to confirm the presence and extent of endometriosis. This remains the gold standard for diagnosis

Currently, our team are developing and undergoing regulatory approval of a 60 second test that use sensor-based technology coupled with artificial intelligence to diagnose endometriosis from liquid biopsies.

Who is more likely to have endometriosis?

Although the cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition:

Family history of endometriosis
Starting periods at a young age
Short menstrual cycles or heavy periods
Never having given birth

Women in their 20s to 40s are most commonly affected, but symptoms can begin during adolescence.

It’s likely that there are both genetic and epigenetic factors involved. Epigenetic factors can change due to environmental factors. This may be related to a variety of toxins that women are exposed to throughout their life and when developing as a foetus. Various toxins have been implicated including microplastics, fertilizers and Bisphenol-A fond in some plastic bottles.

Can early symptoms be managed?

Yes. If endometriosis is suspected based on symptoms, treatment can often begin before a formal diagnosis. Management options include:

Pain relief using anti-inflammatory medication
Hormonal treatments such as the contraceptive pill or hormonal coil, which can reduce or stop periods
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and stress management
Surgery, in some cases, to remove endometrial tissue

Once endometriosis is diagnosed and treated at surgery a plan can be instigated to slow the progression of the condition.

What should I do if I suspect endometriosis?

If you experience persistent or severe pelvic pain, unusual menstrual symptoms, or difficulty conceiving, it’s important to speak to a GP or gynaecologist. Early referral to a specialist can help confirm the diagnosis and begin effective treatment. It is important to not be ignored and insist on referral to avoid long-term sequelae and complications associated with endometriosis.