Endometriosis diagnosis just got turned on its head

New guidelines will hopefully reduce diagnosis delays

The process of receiving an endometriosis diagnosis is often long, frustrating and painful. New guidelines hope to change that.

Good news for the one in nine girls, women and people assigned female at birth who are affected by endometriosis –  diagnosis just got significantly less painful and invasive.

You’re unlikely to hear any story of someone getting an endometriosis diagnosis that’s uncomplicated and straightforward. 

It often takes years to be diagnosed, as misdiagnosis is common, waitlists are long, and painful, invasive surgeries are often required to officially diagnose the disease.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Ranzcog), have now recommended less invasive and far less painful avenues for diagnosis.

Diagnosing endometriosis through ultrasound

Ranzcog now recommends that patients be offered an ultrasound or MRI instead of laparoscopic surgery.

The living evidence guideline for endometriosis replaces the guidelines that have been in place since 2021, and will be updated in line with emerging research and evidence. The Australian Coalition for Endometriosis chair, Jess Taylor, said this is “critical” due to the amount of new research looking into the disease.

From November, a new Medicare item number for an endometriosis ultrasound will look for endometriosis tissue beyond the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, including the ligament holding the uterus inside the pelvis and other areas external to the uterus.

From November, a new Medicare item number for an endometriosis ultrasound will look for endometriosis tissue beyond the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, including the ligament holding the uterus inside the pelvis and other areas external to the uterus. 

Dr Marilla Druitt worked on the development of the guidelines and said, “that Medicare item number will hopefully drive more thorough looking and more thorough assessment.” 

By beginning the diagnosis process with an ultrasound, patients won’t have to wait on extensive waitlists for surgery, so they will hopefully be able to access treatment earlier.

The updated guidelines also recommend hormonal treatment as the first-line therapy, but physiotherapy and accessing psychological care are now encouraged to help treat pelvic pain and endometriosis too.  Image: iStock

Though more sonographers need to gain accreditation to improve access. 

Physiotherapy and psychological care for endometriosis

The updated guidelines also recommend hormonal treatment as the first-line therapy, but physiotherapy and psychological care are now encouraged to help treat pelvic pain and endometriosis too. 

Ranzcog suggests that if patients experience no improvement in symptoms after three months of treatment, GPs should turn to alternative medications.

Experts hope the new guidelines will ensure there isn't a delay in patients being able to access treatment for the painful and often debilitating symptoms of endometriosis. Image: Pexels

Endometriosis cancer risk

If patients have concerns about their cancer risk, the new guidelines suggest they should be told ‘that although they may have a small increase in ovarian and endometrial cancer, the increase in absolute risk compared with women in the general population is low; and that they may have a reduced risk of cervical cancer’.

Experts hope the new guidelines will ensure there isn't a delay in patients being able to access treatment for the painful and often debilitating symptoms of endometriosis.

Originally published as Endometriosis diagnosis just got turned on its head