Author: Lyra Brown
Endometriosis, a chronic and debilitating condition affecting one in ten women globally, has long been a silent struggle—its symptoms are often misdiagnosed or ignored. This leaves women to endure years of suffering before a definitive diagnosis.
For Callina Artymko, whose personal journey with infertility and endometriosis has shaped her perspective, this struggle was all too real. But thanks to the pioneering work of EndoDiagnosis and its non-invasive EndoSure test, women like Callina are now finding the clarity and control they need.
Callina’s road to diagnosis was filled with frustration. For years, she endured excruciating menstrual pain, only to be told it was “normal” for women her age. As fertility issues mounted, she realized something was wrong. However, it wasn’t until she discovered the EndoSure test that she finally found answers.
“I had no idea about endometriosis or the testing options available until I learned about EndoSure from my family,” Callina recalls. “The test gave me peace of mind. It wasn’t just about getting answers—it was about taking control of my health again.”
Endometriosis is often invisible, with symptoms that mimic those of other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. The average wait time for a diagnosis ranges from five to 12 years, with traditional methods like laparoscopies or MRIs often missing early-stage endometriosis. These delays lead to chronic pain, infertility, and diminished quality of life.
The EndoSure test, developed by EndoDiagnosis, is changing this narrative.
According to Carolyn Plican, COO of EndoDiagnosis, the EndoSure test is transforming how endometriosis is diagnosed. Non-invasive and taking just 30 minutes to provide results, the test detects a unique gastrointestinal biomarker specific to endometriosis. Self-adhesive pads placed on the abdomen listen to gastrointestinal myoelectric activity (GIMA) patterns unique to women with the disease. The procedure is simple and requires only a few hours of fasting before the test, which provides immediate yes/no results.
“The beauty of EndoSure is its simplicity and accuracy,” Carolyn says. “In just 30 minutes, we can determine whether a woman has endometriosis—something that, in the past, could take years.”
Unlike traditional diagnostic methods that rely on imaging, EndoSure identifies a specific biomarker unique to endometriosis, even in its early and less visible forms. This makes the test more accurate and accessible for women who are desperately and silently seeking answers.
For Callina, the EndoSure test was life-changing.
“I felt like I had been left in the dark for so long,” Callina shares.
“But once I had the EndoSure test, I could finally understand what was going on with my body. It wasn’t just the diagnosis—it was the clarity and the ability to make informed decisions about my treatment options.”
The difference between waiting years for a diagnosis and receiving one in half an hour is monumental. Early detection empowers women to take control of their health, enabling informed choices about treatment. Endometriosis affects each woman differently, and many don’t recognize they have it until struggling with infertility.
Carolyn explains that this unpredictability is one of the disease’s most frustrating aspects.
“Many women think their painful periods are normal,” Carolyn says.
“It’s only when they try to conceive that they realize something is wrong. With EndoSure, we can detect the disease earlier, even in women who may not have significant pain or infertility.”
Early detection is critical, not only to improve quality of life but to prevent long-term complications. Endometriosis can cause irreversible damage to reproductive organs if left untreated, leading to infertility. The EndoSure test offers an opportunity to seek treatment earlier, whether through hormonal therapies, lifestyle changes, or non-invasive approaches.
In Canada, where the diagnostic gap for endometriosis is particularly pronounced, the EndoSure test is a game changer. Women often face long waits for MRIs and specialist appointments, with wait times for an MRI sometimes extending up to two years.
Carolyn emphasizes that timely diagnostics are crucial, and the lack of access has serious consequences for women’s health.
“Endometriosis doesn’t just affect women’s health—it affects their lives,” Carolyn says. “We’re working hard to make EndoSure available to as many women as possible, so they don’t have to wait years for answers.”
The EndoSure test has already been approved by Health Canada, and EndoDiagnosis is focused on bringing this revolutionary technology to clinics across the country. Carolyn and her team are dedicated to educating healthcare providers and women about the test’s benefits. With ongoing research, they hope to make EndoSure a standard tool in diagnosing endometriosis.
For women like Callina, the introduction of EndoSure represents a breakthrough—a chance to bring clarity to a disease that has been shrouded in silence for far too long.
As Carolyn puts it, “It’s not just about diagnosing a disease—it’s about empowering women to take control of their health.”