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For the 11% of women who have endometriosis, they’ve likely spent a decade trying to get a diagnosis.
A simple new 5-minute questionnaire, developed by University of Queensland researchers, could drastically reduce the diagnostic timeline.
The test, called the Simplified Adolescent Factors for Endometriosis (SAFE) score, asks patients to answer six questions.
From their results, at-risk patients can be identified and specialist referrals can be fast tracked.
DELAYED DIAGNOSIS
Endometriosis is a painful condition in which tissue similar to that growing within the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus.
With diagnoses taking years, speeding this process up will have major benefits.
Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility globally. Many people are being diagnosed with endometriosis at around the same time they are considering having a child.
For those with endometriosis, usual IVF treatment is not as effective, so having a clear diagnosis can help fertility treatments too.
A faster diagnosis means faster, more effective endometriosis treatment and more tailored fertility support.
IN SAFE HANDS
The SAFE score was designed using data from over 9,000 women to identify the biggest risk factors for endometriosis.
Leading the research was Professor Gita Mishra, who says, “This SAFE score can be used as guidance for a general practitioner.”
The questionnaire is not a diagnosis in itself but is a diagnostic tool to speed up the referral process.
The six questions identified as endometriosis risk factors ask whether you experience pelvic pain often, have sought treatment for pelvic pain, take pain medication to alleviate pelvic pain, experience heavy menstrual bleeding, experience painful periods or have a family history of endometriosis.
“If a woman has a score of six on the SAFE score – which is the maximum score – then the chances are very high that she has endometriosis,” says Gita.
This research was released yesterday in eClinicalMedicine. The next steps are to trial this diagnostic tool in clinical settings.
“My dream would be that [the SAFE score is] implemented in all GP clinics and all they have to do is just ask these questions,” says Gita.
The SAFE score research was funded by the Medical Research Future Fund.
