A simple five-minute questionnaire created by Australian researchers could help detect endometriosis years earlier than is now possible, potentially saving thousands of women from protracted discomfort and unforeseen fertility problems. According to scientists at the University of Queensland, the screening method has the potential to drastically reduce the long diagnosis delays that frequently lead to women finding the problem only when they begin planning a pregnancy.

The new screening tool, known as the Simplified Adolescent Factors for Endometriosis (SAFE) score, employs a brief set of six questions to identify girls and young women who may be at risk for the condition and should be sent for additional medical evaluation. The tool was created by academics at the university's Australian Women's and Girls' Health Research Centre using data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, which included over 9,000 participants.

Endometriosis is a persistent condition in which tissue identical to the uterine lining begins to grow outside the uterus, usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic organs. This displaced tissue responds similarly to the normal uterine lining, thickening and bleeding throughout menstrual cycles, resulting in significant pelvic pain, heavy periods, and inflammation. Over time, it might cause scarring, which can have an impact on fertility. Despite its significance, the disease is generally underdiagnosed.

Professor Gita Mishra, Centre Director of the research study, stated that the questionnaire could assist patients in avoiding years of confusion. "The test uses 6 questions to detect girls or young women at risk of endometriosis and in need of further assessment," according to Professor Mishra.

According to researchers, selecting the correct individuals for specialist referral has long been difficult because numerous symptoms, such as painful periods or pelvic discomfort, are commonly ignored as normal menstrual experiences. This lack of identification contributes to a diagnostic delay that can last six to eight years.

"Identifying which patients should be referred and treated is challenging, and improving how patients are diagnosed is a major priority," according to Professor Mishra. "By detecting endometriosis earlier—ideally in adolescents, as soon as they begin their periods—we hope the tool will reduce the average 6–8-year diagnostic delay so we can start treatment as early as possible."

The SAFE questionnaire asks young women if they commonly feel pelvic discomfort; have sought treatment for it; use medicines on a regular basis; have excessive monthly bleeding or severe period pain; and if they have a family history of endometriosis. Each answer contributes to a point-based score, which doctors use to calculate the likelihood of the disease and whether specialist evaluation is required.

Researchers believe the approach could enhance early detection because the disorder has no cure and affects up to 11% of women of reproductive age in Australia. Surgery is sometimes required to visually confirm abnormal tissue growth, but specialists are increasingly looking into imaging tools like ultrasound and MRI to detect the condition early.

Professor Mishra stated that diagnostic delays might arise for a variety of reasons, including ambiguous symptoms, limited knowledge among patients and physicians, and a widespread inclination to normalise acute menstrual pain. "Long delays in diagnosis can be due to unclear symptoms, lack of awareness, misdiagnosis, and normalisation of menstrual pain, which impacts quality of life," the doctor explained.

The timing of diagnosis can also affect treatment outcomes. Many women are diagnosed in their late twenties, frequently when they are attempting to conceive. "We need to be able to detect endometriosis early because our research found most women were diagnosed in their late twenties, often when they are trying to fall pregnant," according to Professor Mishra.

Early discovery may enable physicians to select more effective reproductive therapies. "Early diagnosis is critical because it can change treatment of fertility issues later on," she informed me. "The usual treatment route is ovulation induction, but this is not as effective as IVF for women with endometriosis."

The questionnaire will be tested in clinical settings, such as general practice clinics and speciality pelvic pain units in Brisbane. They will also investigate whether the SAFE tool may be adapted into a mobile application to aid in early detection.

The findings, published in the medical journal eClinicalMedicine, come as worldwide health organisations commemorate Endometriosis Awareness Month in March, which is symbolised internationally by the colour yellow. Scientists believe that the new screening method will inspire earlier conversations about menstruation health, allowing more women to seek care before the disease discreetly impacts their lifestyle.