Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to those that line the inside of the womb (the endometrium) grow outside of the womb. These respond to the hormones of the menstrual cycle in the same way as the endometrium by growing and bleeding. This can cause a host of problems including pain, scarring and difficulties falling pregnant. For further information we would recommend the websites of The Endometriosis Foundation (www.theendometriosisfoundation.org) or Endometriosis UK (www.endometriosis-UK.org).

Absolutely. We prioritize your privacy and ensure that all test results and personal information are kept secure and confidential at all times. Please see our privacy notice for more information.

The 10 minute results appointment will be performed remotely via a video call. It will be conducted by Mr O’Donovan, who will communicate teh .the result to you, explain what it means, answer your questions and help you make a plan for where to go for further advice next. It is not a treatment appointment, i.e. no treatment will be instigated at that appointment. For regulatory reasons we cannot give medical advice at this appointment, but will be more than happy to suggest the best ways to get this. You will receive a short letter explaining the result.

He is a gynaecologist and endometriosis specialist. He has been the lead clinician for the Endometriosis Centre at University Hospitals Bristol and Western since 2018. He has huge experience in both the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, and currently sits on both the diagnostics and endometriosis centres subcommittees at The British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy. He is a founding trustee of The Endometriosis Foundation (www.theendometriosisfoundation.org).

The “gold standard” (most accurate) test to diagnose endometriosis is a laparoscopy. This is key hole surgery, where the surgeon looks inside the abdomen (tummy) with a small camera. It requires a general anaesthetic and, as with any surgery, comes with some risk, pain and inconvenience (most people will require a couple of weeks off work for example).

In the past, if scans have been normal and further investigation were required, that would have been with a laparoscopy. With Endotest, if the result is negative then a laparoscopy to look for endometriosis is not usually required. If Endotest is positive, then we know endometriosis is highly likely to be present and a laparoscopy is not required to determine this. A laparoscopy may still be appropriate for treatment, and knowing that endometriosis will be found helps plan the operation (e.g. which surgeons should be present, how long to allow, more information about risks, recovery times etc). Overall, for many people, Endotest will either avoid the need for laparoscopy or help plan the appropriate surgery.

No it does not. Adenomyosis is best diagnosed with a scan.

No, the test is still accurate whilst on treatments, including pain killers, progesterone only pills, combined pills, hormone containing coils or other hormones.

No, it can be done at any time of the cycle.

The test can be performed in most people between the ages of 18 and 43. The research has not yet been done outside this age group. There is a study underway currently to see if the test works in those under 18. It also cannot be done in people who are pregnant, have a history of cancer or are HIV positive.

The test may be inaccurate if you have an infection (e.g. a cold), so you should wait for complete recovery before doing the test.

If you have already had a diagnosis of endometriosis confirmed, either at laparoscopy or on scan, there is no need to have the test. It will not give you any further information.

If the test is negative we can be more than 90% certain the person doesn't not have endometriosis. This absolutely does not mean that they do not have symptoms though, and focus can be concentrated on other possible causes.

If the test is positive the person almost certainly has endometriosis. The test does not tell us about the extent or location of the disease, but informs a plan for treatment and perhaps further investigation.