From Morning Report, Radio NZ 9 July 2026.
In England and Wales, new non-invastive tests for endometriosis are being rolled out. GPs will be able to recommend a saliva or gut electrical signal test as an initial diagnostic tool for endometriosis. Tanya Cooke, Chief Executive at Endometriosis New Zealand spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Endometriosis New Zealand’s Response
Anything that helps people receive answers sooner, without relying on invasive surgery, is a welcome step forward. In New Zealand, people with endometriosis still face an average diagnostic delay of close to 10 years—a delay that leaves many living with debilitating pain, uncertainty, and a reduced quality of life while waiting for answers.
The two non-invasive diagnostic technologies currently being evaluated in the UK represent an encouraging advancement in the global effort to improve endometriosis diagnosis. If validated, these innovations could support earlier identification of the condition in primary care, reducing reliance on invasive procedures and helping people access appropriate treatment sooner.
We welcome continued investment in research and innovation that has the potential to shorten diagnostic delays and improve outcomes for people living with endometriosis. Earlier diagnosis doesn’t just benefit individuals—it has the potential to reduce the long-term health, social, and economic impacts of this disease.
In New Zealand
New tests and new technologies such as these are valuable, but they only work if they can be incorporated into our system and are properly resourced.
This reinforces why we are pushing for the adoption of the new RANZCOG Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis as well as a National Endometriosis Action Plan.
- A living evidence guideline can be updated as new evidence, technologies, imaging techniques and diagnostic tools such as these tests become available.
- A National Endometriosis Action Plan can ensure that new diagnostic tools such as these are introduced consistently, funded appropriately, supported by workforce training and available to everyone.
These tests are very encouraging, but they also show why New Zealand needs an endometriosis care system that can keep pace with the evidence and turn new advances into faster diagnosis and better care.
You can listen to our response on RNZ’s Morning Report with Ingrid Hipkiss, featuring Endometriosis New Zealand Chief Executive Tanya Cooke and community member Melissa Aubroeck, who shares her lived experience.