Urine testing offers hope to significantly reduce endometriosis diagnosis delays

Ella Wilson

A ground-breaking urine test could drastically cut down endometriosis diagnosis delays, according to scientists working on a new trial.

Receiving a diagnosis currently:

Research published by Endometriosis UK showed that diagnosis times for endometriosis in the UK are currently at an average of 8 years and 10 months.

This simple urine test could mean women no longer have to join extensive waiting lists for invasive examinations and surgeries, which are currently the only methods being used to diagnose the disease.

Currently, to receive a definitive diagnosis, women must be referred to a specialist gynaecologist and have an invasive laparoscopic surgery. This is a type of keyhole surgery where a camera is passed through a small cut in the abdomen [NHS]. Women may undergo multiple laparoscopic surgeries to remove stubborn endometriosis tissue which recurs.

Journey to discovery:

Dr Barbara Guinn

Dr Guinn, lead researcher and reader in biomedical sciences at the University of Hull, has conducted research into biomarkers and has identified proteins that are increased in the urine of those who suffer with endometriosis. This discovery enabled the development of the test, named EndoTect, which should take seconds to indicate whether endometriosis is the cause of a patient’s symptoms. Dr Guinn says the test may also indicate whether a patient has deep or superficial endometriosis and monitor the effectiveness of treatment options.

Dr Guinn is passionate about making important discoveries and identifying biomarkers in difficult to treat or diagnose diseases to improve treatment outcomes for patients, having previously identified the protein which enables doctors treating Leukaemia patients to learn how aggressive the disease is.

Dr Guinn said she believed the test will provide a 'huge reassurance' for women who think they may be suffering with endometriosis. Listen to the full audio here:

Endometriosis tissue is most commonly found on the reproductive organs and bowel. However, because it grows in places where it doesn’t belong and cannot leave the body, it can cause cysts, adhesions of fibrous tissue, inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue. It can even cause pelvic tissue and organs to stick to each other. [Mayo Clinic]

If left untreated, endometriosis can lead to organ damage and infertility, with many women experiencing organ loss due to the delay in their care.

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Doctors, charities and patients alike are eager to assist in the development of this test. Here’s what they had to say:

Over 190 million women and girls globally suffer with endometriosis and, with an average 8-year delay on treatment, most have suffered for a prolonged period before it is treated. Doctor Guinn said the cost of endometriosis on the UK economy is £8.2 billion a year in testing, doctors’ appointments, and loss of earnings.

It is hopeful that, with the creation of this urine test, diagnosis delays will decrease, and women can access quicker, less invasive healthcare to definitively receive a diagnosis.