A groundbreaking new imaging tool could dramatically cut the long wait for an endometriosis diagnosis and spare invasive procedures for patients. Scientists have developed a method allowing medics to visualise new blood vessel growth and inflammation within the body. Currently, the average time for an official endometriosis diagnosis in the UK is about nine years and four months. This delay often occurs as symptoms, such as extremely painful and heavy periods , tiredness, and discomfort during sex or when using the toilet, are mistaken for other conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) . Endometriosis happens when cells similar to those lining the womb grow in other parts of the body. Traditional diagnosis involves multiple tests, including vaginal examinations, ultrasounds, MRI scans, and often a laparoscopy – an invasive surgical procedure. The new technique, however, uses maraciclatide, a molecular tracer injected into the patient, which binds to a specific protein.…