Why does it take so long?
Endometriosis is notoriously slow to diagnose. The symptoms — period pain, heavy bleeding, pelvic pain — are often normalised or attributed to other causes. Many women are told their pain is 'just part of being a woman' before receiving a diagnosis.
There's also no single blood test or scan that can definitively diagnose endometriosis. A laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) is the gold standard for diagnosis, which means many women wait years for a definitive answer.
The diagnostic process
Your GP will start with a thorough history of your symptoms, a pelvic examination, and arrange imaging such as a pelvic ultrasound. While an ultrasound can't definitively diagnose endometriosis, it can rule out other conditions and sometimes detect endometriomas (ovarian cysts caused by endometriosis).
If endometriosis is suspected, your GP will refer you to a gynaecologist, who may recommend a laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and treat the endometriotic tissue at the same time.
How to speed things up
Keep a symptom diary — track when your pain occurs, how severe it is, and how it affects your life. This information is invaluable for your GP and specialist.
Don't wait for the pain to become unbearable. If your period pain is disrupting your life, or you experience pain during sex, between periods, or with bowel movements, book a GP appointment and specifically raise the possibility of endometriosis.
Related condition
Endometriosis →References & sources
This content is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult a GP for your personal situation.
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