A health clinic in Harrogate is introducing a new saliva-based test which it says could help tackle the long delays many women face in receiving an endometriosis diagnosis.

Cocoon, a private health and diagnostics clinic on East Park Road, will officially launch EndoTest at a public event on Sunday, September 20, giving people the opportunity to learn more about the new diagnostic service and meet the clinical team behind it.

Endometriosis affects around one in ten women in the United Kingdom, yet the average time to receive a diagnosis is around nine years.

According to Cocoon, that figure can rise to almost 12 years for women from ethnically diverse communities.

Cocoon, a private health and diagnostics clinic in Harrogate, is introducing a new saliva-based test which it says could help tackle the long delays many women face in receiving an endometriosis diagnosis

placeholder image — Cocoon, a private health and diagnostics clinic in Harrogate, is introducing a new saliva-based test which it says could help tackle the long delays many women face in receiving an endometriosis diagnosis

The clinic says EndoTest offers a less invasive alternative to traditional diagnostic pathways by requiring only a saliva sample, rather than lengthy referral processes or more invasive investigations.

Test results are reviewed by consultant gynaecologist and endometriosis specialist James Tibbott, who has overseen the introduction of the service at the Harrogate clinic.

Kate Mortimer, Clinical Lead at Cocoon, said: "Endometriosis is chronically under-diagnosed and under-discussed.

"Women are too often told their symptoms are normal, or made to wait years for confirmation of something they already suspect.

"EndoTest gives us a way to shorten that wait significantly, and we wanted to open our doors and talk people through it properly with a supportive team that genuinely cares."

Mr Tibbott added: "Early identification changes the conversation for patients.

"It means treatment and management can start sooner, and women spend less time feeling dismissed or unheard.

"A test with this level of accuracy, delivered from something as simple as a saliva sample, is a meaningful step forward."

The clinic says EndoTest has a 97.5 per cent identification rate and hopes the service will provide women with earlier access to diagnosis and treatment options.

To mark the launch, Cocoon is hosting two free information sessions on Sunday, September 20.

The morning event, from 10.30am until noon, will take place at the clinic where visitors can tour the facilities, meet members of the clinical team and hear from Mr Tibbott about endometriosis and the new testing process.

An online session will follow from 1pm until 2pm via Google Meet, including a live question-and-answer session for those unable to attend in person.

Places at both events are free but must be booked in advance by emailing [email protected]

For more information about Cocoon, visit https://cocoon-hgt.com/