Researcher Explores Blood Test for 1-in-10 Adenomyosis Cases, Eyeing At-Home Diagnosis
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 20
Researcher Explores Blood Test for 1-in-10 Adenomyosis Cases, Eyeing At-Home Diagnosis
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 20
Dr Marianne Watters is testing whether blood samples can identify adenomyosis, with the aim of eventually enabling at-home diagnosis for a condition that is often missed.
At least 1 in 10 women live with adenomyosis, but diagnosis has historically been difficult because confirmation once relied on hysterectomy and the condition is not always visible on scans.
Patients interviewed by the BBC described severe pain, heavy bleeding and long struggles to be believed, with some saying doctors dismissed symptoms or even asked them to explain the condition.
2025 data cited from Endometriosis UK showed 580,000 women in England were on the non-cancerous gynaecology waiting list, underscoring wider pressure on women’s health services.
The Department of Health said heavy and painful periods are too often normalised, while clinicians and advocates said better education and research are needed to reduce stigma and speed diagnosis.
Could a simple blood test soon end the diagnostic nightmare for a condition affecting 1 in 10 women?
With endometriosis now a UK disability, will adenomyosis sufferers get the same legal workplace protections?
Can new soundwave therapy treat this painful womb condition and preserve fertility without life-altering surgery?