The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has released guidance on best practices in the diagnosis of endometriosis, a condition that affects approximately 1.5 million women of reproductive age in the U.K.
The updated guidelines primarily address delays in diagnosis, and include the following:
- Recommendations on specialist ultrasound as an alternative to MRI for investigating suspected endometriosis in secondary care.
- Recommendations on early transvaginal ultrasound in all women with suspected endometriosis, even if the pelvic or abdominal exam is normal.
- Firmer and clearer recommendations regarding referral.
- Greater clarity about the care available for women with suspected endometriosis.
