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A MyEndometriosisTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Swansea, UK

I just read something online now stating that there are other tests to use to diagnose endometriosis. Rather waiting for so long fo4 a laparascopy which I was told by my gynecologist I wouldn't have to wait too long as he's cleared the backlog of the operations xxx

July 8
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A MyEndometriosisTeam Member

endosure and endi are working together to do none invasive tests and results

July 31
A MyEndometriosisTeam Member

I’m in the US and from my experience I would recommend trying to find an ultrasound specialist or an endocrinologist who specializes in endometriosis. Some maybe willing to do an MRI some may not. Normally they will do a pelvic exam and transvaginal ultrasound.

It looks like you are in the UK. I think there is a possibility for more options, like saliva and menstrual blood tests being researched. I pulled this information from google:

β€œ The Saliva Test (Ziwig Endotest): This test has European CE certification and was recently fast-tracked by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for use in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). While it is commercially available in Europe, the UK, and parts of the Middle East, it is still navigating regulatory reviews in the United States.

Menstrual Blood Tests: These diagnostic tools are much earlier in development. Leading researchers in the field hope to apply for FDA approval for an at-home period blood diagnostic kit around 2027.β€œ

Hope this helps! 😊

July 19
MyEndometriosisTeam

That's great news that your gynecologist has cleared the backlog β€” hopefully you won't be waiting too long! It's completely understandable to want answers sooner rather than later.

You're right that there are other tests that can help detect endometriosis before or instead of surgery. Here's a quick rundown:

- Show Full Answer

That's great news that your gynecologist has cleared the backlog β€” hopefully you won't be waiting too long! It's completely understandable to want answers sooner rather than later.

You're right that there are other tests that can help detect endometriosis before or instead of surgery. Here's a quick rundown:

- Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) β€” This is now considered the first-line imaging test. A small probe is placed in the vagina to get pictures of the uterus, ovaries, and pelvic structures. It can detect ovarian cysts (endometriomas) and sometimes signs of deeper endometriosis.
- MRI β€” Useful when an ultrasound isn't clear enough, especially if endometriosis may involve the bowel or bladder. It's also helpful for surgical planning.
- Pelvic exam β€” A doctor can sometimes feel painful nodules or tenderness that may indicate endometriosis lesions.
- Blood tests β€” These can check for certain markers, though they're not definitive on their own. The important thing to know is that while these tests can strongly suggest endometriosis, a laparoscopy with a tissue biopsy is still the only way to fully confirm the diagnosis. These other tests are great stepping stones though, and your gynecologist may already be using some of them alongside your planned laparoscopy.

It's worth asking your gynecologist which of these tests might be suitable for you in the meantime β€” they can provide really useful information before your procedure.

July 8

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