Nearly two million British women are affected by painful womb condition known as endometriosis. Researchers from Australia and Jordan have devised a simple non- surgical test that could quickly and accurately diagnose endometriosis. This disease can damage fertility also.

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which affects the cells that line the uterus. Endometriosis arises when cells, normally found in the endometrium, connect themselves to other portions of the pelvic area leading to connective tissue, pain and swelling. Its symptoms can include heavy periods, pain and nausea.

Many women had to wait for 11 years for a diagnosis of endometriosis but the new test takes much less time as it hinges upon a quick womb lining biopsy, which can be taken through the vagina while the patient is conscious.

Research team conducted human trials of the new method involving 99 patients. The researchers tested the samples taken for the presence of nerve fibres that anticipate endometriosis. The results showed almost 100 per cent accuracy.

The research team said that the reliability of diagnosis using a biopsy was close to the accuracy of the surgical appraisal that is a laparoscopy performed through the navel.

Consultant gynaecologist Caroline Overton, of St Michael's Hospital, Bristol, said: 'The test is unable to distinguish between the severity of endometriosis and doesn't replace laparoscopy, but looks promising.'