This article is written for patients who are considering booking an EndoSure Test with It’s About Time. It explains the science in clear language so you can decide whether the test feels right for you.
TL;DR
- EndoSure is a non-invasive test that records tiny, natural electrical signals from your abdomen using skin electrodes.
- Those signals come from smooth muscle activity in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, captured as an electroviscerogram (EVG).
- The test looks for a myoelectrical activity “pattern” (biomarker) known as GIMA (Gastrointestinal Myoelectrical Activity) that research proved is due to endometriosis.
- The appointment typically lasts about 60 minutes, and includes a baseline recording, drinking water, and then a further recording period.
- EndoSure is described as a clinical decision aide: a result helps guide next steps, alongside symptoms, exam, imaging, and your clinician’s judgement.
What “myoelectrical activity biomarkers” means (without the jargon)
Let’s unpack the phrase myoelectrical activity biomarker:
- “Myo” means muscle.
- “Electrical” refers to tiny electrical changes your body naturally produces when muscles activate.
- A “biomarker” is something measurable from your body that can be associated with a condition.
So, a myoelectrical activity biomarker is a measurable pattern in muscle-related electrical activity that can be linked with a condition.
In EndoSure’s case, the “muscle” part is the smooth muscle in and around your digestive system. The test records activity that is broadcast from the surface of your abdomen and analyses the signal patterns.
Why would endometriosis show up in abdominal electrical signals?
Many people think of endometriosis as “just” a pelvic condition. In reality, endometriosis can appear anywhere and affect the body in ways that involve inflammation, nerve signalling, and cross-talk between pelvic organs.
Research suggests that endometrial tissue secretes two substances that can trigger an irregular reaction in the GI tract, and EndoSure aims to identify that biomarker by analysing this effect on GI myoelectrical activity.
A patient-friendly way to think about it is:
- Your gut has its own rhythmic electrical activity that helps coordinate movement.
- Endometriosis (and related pelvic conditions) can be associated with changes in the environment and signalling in the abdomen and pelvis.
- EndoSure doesn’t “look” at lesions directly. Instead, it measures a downstream pattern that may be associated with the presence of disease.
Important reassurance: using gut signals does not mean your symptoms are “just digestive.” It means the gut is a place where measurable signals can be recorded non-invasively.
EVG, GIMA, and the “digital fingerprint” idea
What is an EVG (electroviscerogram)?
An electroviscerogram (EVG) is a recording of electrical activity from organs in the abdomen, captured using electrodes on the skin. It’s similar in concept to how an ECG records electrical activity from the heart, but the EVG focuses on abdominal myoelectrical activity.
What is GIMA?
GIMA stands for Gastrointestinal Myoelectrical Activity. In published research describing this approach, non-invasive electroviscerography records GIMA before and after a water-load protocol, and the resulting signal features are used to build a diagnostic model.
What does “digital fingerprint” mean here?
The analysis compares the recorded data to a known myoelectric “digital fingerprint” associated with endometriosis and adenomyosis.
In plain English: rather than relying on one single “tell,” the system looks for a combination of signal characteristics that, together, form a recognisable pattern.
What happens during the EndoSure test (step-by-step)
One of the biggest barriers to booking any medical test is uncertainty. Here is a typical description of the procedure:
- Before you start
No food or drink 6-8 hours before the test – if required, small sips of water are allowed up to 2 hours before the test. You can find more information on what you need to know in our patient leaflet. - Sensors are placed
A respiratory belt is placed (over clothing), and three electrode pads are placed on your abdomen. - Baseline recording
You will sit in a reclining chair and remain still while a baseline recording is taken. - Water-load (drinking water)
You will drink water during the test. - Recording after water-load
Another recording is then taken after drinking water to compare with the previous baseline recording. - Finish and next steps
The whole appointment is typically described as about 60 minutes, with no anaesthesia required.
What does it feel like?
EndoSure is non-invasive and painless by using topical electrode pads. You’ll likely notice the sticky pads and the request to keep still.
Accuracy: what it means, and how to think about it as a patient
Accuracy talk can get confusing fast, so let’s keep it grounded.
During clinical trials, the test had 100% concordance with surgical findings with no false negatives and no false positives in that trial context.
What the published research discusses
A peer-reviewed paper (also available on PubMed Central) describes a prospective study design using EVG-recorded GIMA biomarkers, including comparison groups and model-based threshold scoring.
The practical takeaway (helping you make decisions)
Even a highly promising test result is most useful when you treat it as decision support:
- A result suggesting endometriosis can strengthen the case for moving forward with a clear treatment plan, specialist referral, and (if appropriate) surgical discussion.
- A result not suggesting endometriosis can be equally valuable if it helps your clinician broaden the investigation and consider other causes – especially if symptoms remain significant.
In other words, EndoSure is positioned as a tool to speed up clarity and reduce the “wait-and-see” loop, rather than being the sole source of truth on its own.
How to prepare (to make sure the recording is as reliable as possible)
Preparation matters because the test measures real-time body signals.
- Fasting beforehand (commonly 6–8 hours) and nil by mouth close to the test (our patient information leaflet provides the specific guidance used by the clinic).
- Clothing advice (loose-fitting clothing) and remaining in a reclining position during the test.
- Practical instructions like switching off your phone and NO listening to music with headphones.
Medication note (important)
Some medications can affect gut motility and signalling. The leaflet includes medication-related guidance. Do not stop prescribed medication without speaking to your clinician. Especially pain medication, mental health medication, or anything related to the heart, blood pressure, or epilepsy.
Who the test may not be suitable for
Suitability can depend on your circumstances. The EndoSure leaflet flags certain situations to discuss with the clinic (for example, recent bowel surgery or recent intestinal infection).
If you’re unsure, the most useful thing you can do is share:
- Recent surgeries or infections
- Current medications (including opioids and gut-affecting meds)
- Pregnancy status (if relevant)
- Any adhesive allergies or skin sensitivities
Understanding your result and what usually happens next
If your result suggests endometriosis may be present
Your clinician may use the result to support:
- A targeted treatment discussion (pain management, hormonal options where appropriate)
- Referral and prioritisation decisions
- Planning for or excluding surgery when clinically indicated, with a clearer pre-test probability
EndoSure helps to deliver a same-day diagnostic pathway in clinic workflows.
If your result does not suggest endometriosis
A “not suggestive” result can still move you forward by helping to:
- Consider other explanations for pelvic pain and bleeding patterns
- Revisit imaging strategy or differential diagnoses
- Focus on symptom control while the diagnostic pathway continues
Crucially: your symptoms still matter. A single test should never be used to dismiss ongoing pain, heavy bleeding, bowel symptoms, or fatigue – especially if your quality of life is being affected.
Could your symptoms be endometriosis?
If you are experiencing pelvic pain, heavy periods, bloating or fertility concerns, the EndoSure test offers a rapid, non-invasive way to assess the likelihood of endometriosis. Learn how the test works or find a clinic near you and book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions & Recap (FAQ)
1) How does the EndoSure test work?
EndoSure records myoelectrical data from your abdomen using an electroviscerogram (EVG) and analyses the pattern for a biomarker signature associated with endometriosis.
2) What is an EVG (electroviscerogram)?
An EVG is a recording of abdominal organ-related electrical activity captured non-invasively using electrodes placed on the skin.
3) What does “GIMA biomarker” mean?
GIMA stands for Gastrointestinal Myoelectrical Activity. Research describing this method uses EVG recordings of GIMA (before and after a water-load protocol) and analyses signal features to help predict whether endometriosis is present.
4) What happens during the EndoSure test appointment?
You’ll have a belt and electrodes placed, complete a baseline recording, drink water as part of the protocol, then stay still for a further recording period (often around 30 minutes).
5) Do I need anaesthesia or needles?
The procedure requires no anaesthesia, using topical electrode pads on the skin.
6) How long does the test take?
The EndoSure test is a 60-minute test in one of our clinics.
7) How do I prepare (fasting and medication)?
The leaflet instructs fasting before the appointment and provides “nil by mouth” guidance close to the test time, plus medication-related considerations. Follow your clinic’s instructions exactly and don’t stop prescribed medication without clinical advice.
8) Are there any risks?
As a non-invasive, electrode-based recording, the most common issues are practical (staying still) or skin-related (for example, irritation from adhesive pads in people with sensitive skin). Your clinic can advise based on your history.
9) Who shouldn’t take the test?
Our patient leaflet flags certain situations to discuss with the clinic (for example, recent bowel surgery or recent intestinal infection or obstruction). If you’re unsure, contact us before booking.
10) When will I get results?
Some of our EndoSure clinics can offer same-day results, though exact timing can depend on the clinic and clinician review processes, within 3 working days.