The five-minute test that could fast-track diagnosis for thousands of women
A five-minute test developed by Queensland researchers could transform the time it takes to diagnose and treat endometriosis, potentially reducing years spent with chronic pain and improving fertility outcomes for thousands of women.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body, causing attacks of severe, often disabling pain.
Although it affects an estimated one in seven Australian women, the condition takes an average of six to eight years to be diagnosed.
Researchers from the University of Queensland used data from more than 9,000 women to develop the Simplified Adolescent Factors for Endometriosis (SAFE) score, which uses six questions to identify girls and young women at risk of endometriosis and fast-track their referral to specialists for further assessment.
Professor Gita Mishra AO, director of the Australian Research Center for Women’s and Girls’ Health, said by detecting endometriosis earlier – ideally during puberty, when young women start menstruating – they hope to see patients start treatment earlier, improving their quality of life and fertility outcomes.
“Our research found that most women are diagnosed in their late twenties, often when they are trying to get pregnant,” Mishra said.
“Early diagnosis is critical because it can change the treatment of fertility problems later.”
A. previous work Research into the impact of endometriosis on Australia’s healthcare system has found that women with the condition have significantly reduced quality of life due to severe pelvic pain, infertility issues, irritable bowel syndrome or mental health problems.
Amy Wilson, from Brisbane, was diagnosed with endometriosis last year at the age of 41.
At age 34, after having children and stopping birth control, she began experiencing symptoms such as fatigue and inflammation around her pelvis.
“One day I woke up and I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t feel my legs or around my pelvis,” Wilson said.
“I had two or three explosions like this in about three years.”
Wilson sought advice from different doctors over the years, but none could find answers to his symptoms. As a result, he developed anxiety and experienced bouts of depression.
“When the symptoms would affect me, I would get really disappointed in myself for not being able to stand up and be a better mother,” she said.
“It affected me in daily life… I stopped looking for entertainment.”
Wilson was eventually referred to a gynecologist, who diagnosed adenomyosis after a physical examination. Exploratory surgery later confirmed endometriosis and tissue was found around the bowel.
Last year, the mother-of-three underwent surgery to remove excess tissue and fallopian tubes and had an IUD implanted to help control symptoms.
Although it won’t affect her fertility, she said the SAFE test will “drastically” change her endometriosis journey.
“I have three daughters. I don’t want them to spend seven years of their lives feeling like they can’t find an answer,” Wilson said.
SAFE score works on a points-based system. The more risk factors identified, the higher the woman’s score and the greater the likelihood of this condition occurring.
With the study now published, Mishra said they will now try to evaluate the tool in clinical settings.
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