Tackling an Endometriosis Diagnosis: A Hackensack Meridian Health Expert Sheds Light

       While a Blood Test is Being Studied, Solutions are Available Today

Brick, N.J. - April 6, 2026 - This past week Australian conservationist Bindi Irwin – who is the daughter of famed conservationist Steve Irwin – shared on social media that she had more than 50 lesions removed surgically in her continued painful battle with endometriosis. It’s a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the tissues holding the uterus in place, and sometimes on the bowels or bladder. In rare cases, it can grow on the lungs or other parts of the body. 

With an average diagnostic delay of seven to nine years, something that Irwin has shared in her long journey to get a diagnosis, endometriosis remains a significant challenge for patients seeking answers and care. Most recently researchers in Scotland have been studying what would be a revolution in diagnosis – the creation of a rapid blood test for endometriosis that would be used in a doctor’s office. 

But “gold standard” care is available now, say experts at Hackensack Meridian Health  –  and recent updates to clinical guidelines in diagnosing the condition by considering symptoms and medical history – rather than requiring surgical confirmation are helping women much earlier in their journey. It was earlier this year that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists updated its clinical guidance to support a “treat first” approach for suspected disease.  

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are pain and infertility. The pain can manifest as painful menstrual cramps that may radiate to the abdomen or lower back; pain during or after sex, chronic pelvic pain lasting six months or more and pain with bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation. Other symptoms can include heavy or irregular periods, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, and spotting between periods. 

“For many patients with endometriosis, symptoms have been minimized or normalized for years before they receive a diagnosis and treatment,” says Jocelyn Carlo, MD, OBGYN, F.A.C.O.G., director of gynecology, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “When a major organization like ACOG issues updated clinical guidance, it signals that endometriosis deserves a serious, structured, and evidence-based approach. Increased awareness on the national level helps shift both patient and physician perspectives towards this  complex and challenging disease. These updates recognize the long diagnostic journey many women face and provide clinicians with tools to act sooner, so we can treat the disease earlier, prevent complications, and improve their quality of life.” 

While a blood test is in development, laparoscopy remains the definitive method for diagnosing and treating endometriosis. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic excision surgery is a minimally invasive approach that removes growths and scar tissue while preserving healthy tissue. This technique is crucial for complex cases and for patients seeking to preserve fertility. As endometriosis is a multifaceted condition, Dr. Carlo recommends receiving care with a multi-disciplinary team of specialists, including gynecologic surgeons, pain management experts, and fertility specialists, to provide comprehensive and individualized care.

For additional information on endometriosis and women’s health, visit hackensackmeridianhealth.org/services/womens-health. 

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(photo: vecteezy.com)