Artificial intelligence set to slash endometriosis diagnosis from six years to monthsAn Aussie researcher has developed groundbreaking AI technology that could slash endometriosis diagnosis times from six-and-a-half years to under 12 months.Newscorp Australia3 min readMay 19, 2026 - 12:00AMNews360 CommercialADL Uni Research Superheroes Associate Professor Jodie AveryPartner ContentDon't miss out on the headlines from Partner Content. Followed categories will be added to My News.As a public health researcher and Research Co-Lead of Chronic Reproductive Diseases at the Robinson Research Institute, Associate Professor Avery has built a career around tackling chronic reproductive conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Her work is now at the forefront of a growing push to modernise how endometriosis is detected, using artificial intelligence to reduce diagnosis times and improve outcomes for patients.“I started in public health after initially training in medical radiations,” she says. “I’ve always been interested in women’s health, particularly PCOS.”That path led her to a pioneering project exploring how Artificial Intelligence can assist in diagnosing endometriosis – a condition that affects around one in seven Australian women.PCOS is similarly widespread, affecting at least 13 per cent of women, with some experiencing both conditions simultaneously. The research uses advanced imaging techniques, including transvaginal ultrasound and MRI scans, combined with machine learning – and by training AI systems to recognise patterns across both imaging types, researchers can enhance diagnostic accuracy.“We essentially use one imaging modality to teach the other what to look for,” she explains. “That means a woman may eventually only need one scan, but with far more diagnostic value.”The implications are significant – and currently, an endometriosis diagnosis often involves invasive surgery and can take an average of six-and-a-half years.This new approach aims to reduce that delay to less than one year.Professor Avery’s early findings also highlight a major challenge – that many women may have endometriosis without realising it.In a screening study of 100 women with no known diagnosis, researchers found that 20 per cent had the condition despite reporting no symptoms. Others experience symptoms such as bloating or irregular periods but do not associate them with endometriosis.“That lack of awareness is a huge issue,” Professor Avery says.ADL Uni Research Superheroes Associate Professor Jodie Avery“By the time some women are diagnosed – often when trying to conceive later in life – the condition may have already progressed.“Earlier diagnosis can open the door to better long-term management strategies, including medical treatment, physiotherapy, and fertility planning options such as egg freezing … while there is currently no cure for endometriosis, early intervention can significantly improve quality of life.”The condition can be debilitating, particularly for younger women – and Professor Avery says that sadly many miss school, university, or work due to severe pain and fatigue, often without formal recognition of their condition.“There’s still a legacy of dismissing women’s pain,” Professor Avery says.“Previous generations were often told severe period pain was normal. Now we know that’s not always the case.”In South Australia, momentum is building for systemic change that can help diagnose sooner – including the potential development of specialised endometriosis care centres, expanded pelvic pain services, and increased funding for research and support programs.“A dedicated centre could provide imaging, medical care, physiotherapy, and psychological support all in one place,” she says.“It would also allow us to integrate research directly into patient care.”Professor Avery’s vast work strives to ensure women are diagnosed earlier, validated sooner, and better supported throughout their lives – in what has historically been a condition in women that has been overlooked.“I want to change the lives of women with endometriosis,” she says. “We need to reduce that diagnostic delay and make sure women know their symptoms are real and deserve attention.”IN HER WORDSI want to change the lives of women with endometriosis. At the moment, the diagnostic delay is about six and a half years, and that’s far too long. We want to bring that down to less than one year so women can be validated early and understand that what they’re experiencing is real, not “just in their heads”.A big part of my motivation comes from my own experience with polycystic ovary syndrome, and from meeting so many young women living with endometriosis. I’ve seen how much it can impact their lives, especially the pain and the uncertainty around fertility. That’s something that really drives me – making sure women don’t have to go through that without answers or support.Endometriosis affects about one in seven women in Australia, and many don’t even realise they have it. In our research, we’ve seen that even women who believe they have no symptoms can still have the condition. That lack of awareness means many are only diagnosed later, often when they’re trying to have children.There’s no cure yet, but early diagnosis can make a huge difference. It allows women to manage the condition better, improve their quality of life, and make informed decisions about their future. Through our work with imaging and artificial intelligence, my goal is to make diagnosis faster, less invasive, and more accessible, so women can get the vital answers they need much earlier.More related storiesPartner ContentCSL scientists pioneer new treatment for rare diseaseA rare genetic condition that can kill within hours could soon have a revolutionary treatment, with Australian scientists achieving a medical breakthrough decades in the making.Read morePartner ContentNew therapy could reverse autoimmune disease symptomsA Monash University professor has developed precision antibodies that target only disease-causing immune cells, offering hope for autoimmune patients to live normal lives.Read more