An endometriosis advocate and content creator has called the addition of new NHS tests "a step in the right direction" but issued a strong warning about suggestions of "miracle drugs."
New NHS Tests for Endometriosis Diagnosis
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) announced two new non-invasive technologies can now be used on the NHS to aid in endometriosis diagnosis, while further evidence is generated to speed up the diagnosis of endometriosis in primary care. These two tests are identified as Endosure and Endotest on the NICE draft early use healthtech guidance.
Endometriosis is where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body, having a large impact on the body, the NHS states.
Laura Potts' Perspective
Women's health advocate Laura Potts, 29, was diagnosed with endometriosis three years ago. The content creator shared her opinion on the news of the new technologies with BirminghamLive. Speaking of the medical advances, Laura admitted they could be 'great tools' if they can bring the diagnosis waiting list down. However, she said if the diagnosis times are reducing, but the care does not follow, she asked "what's the point?"
"I think it's a great tool if it's going to bring the diagnosis, waiting times down. That's amazing," she said. She went on: "But, if you're bringing the diagnosis times down, but you're not providing the care of when they're diagnosed, what's going to happen then - it's almost like - what's the point?"
Warning Against Misinformation
Laura also touched on misinformation, and how some online stories could be "damaging" for some "vulnerable" individuals who are sold the idea of a "miracle drug." "I always say to people these are things that are great because it's giving women other options, but I absolutely hate it when they're labelled as miracle cures, because I think it's so misleading. I think it's so damaging to someone, let's say me, six years ago, or three years ago when I got diagnosed. I would have looked at that and went 'Oh my God,' that's what I need."
Laura shared she doesn't like to class herself as a 'cynic' and she is "open-minded," but explained it's always good to take a deeper look on information shared online.
A Step in the Right Direction
The women's health content creator, who runs Your Endo Events, a community focusing on chronic illness and endometriosis events, added with this development in mind, it could still be a "good step in the right direction" for the future. "I do think it's a good step in the right direction. The fact that these things have been introduced for endometriosis is amazing," she said. "Really speak to an endometriosis specialist, speak to someone that is qualified to make those assumptions and decisions."
