New AI-based tool shows promise in endometriosis risk detection
Researchers say the tool can assess a woman’s preliminary risk of endometriosis within just three to five minutes, potentially helping reduce the long diagnostic delay that currently affects patients
A new artificial intelligence (AI)-based screening tool, SmartEndo, is showing promise in the early detection of endometriosis in Bangladesh, a condition widely described by experts as long underdiagnosed and neglected in women's healthcare.
Researchers say the tool can assess a woman's preliminary risk of endometriosis within just three to five minutes, potentially helping reduce the long diagnostic delay that currently affects patients.
The findings were presented at a dissemination seminar titled "Development and Validation of an AI-Enabled Screening Tool for Early Risk Detection of Endometriosis in Bangladesh" held today (27 April) at Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre.
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The event was organised by the Bangladesh Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Society, with Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd serving as scientific partner. The company worked alongside the society in developing and clinically testing the application.
Speakers at the seminar said endometriosis remains a significant but often overlooked public health challenge in Bangladesh. It is a chronic, hormone-related condition that can cause severe menstrual pain, infertility and a major reduction in quality of life. Globally, around one in 10 women of reproductive age is affected.
Despite its prevalence, diagnosis is often delayed by six to 10 years, leaving many patients untreated for long periods.
SmartEndo aims to address this gap by allowing women to quickly assess their risk based on symptoms, clinical information and known risk factors. The app is available in both Bangla and English.
According to researchers, the tool demonstrated 91% sensitivity, 94.8% specificity and 93% overall accuracy during validation. It can complete a risk assessment within minutes.
Principal investigator Professor Sameena Chowdhury said the technology could play a key role in the early identification of cases. "In Bangladesh, diagnosing endometriosis often takes several years. This AI-based tool can help identify risk at an early stage, enabling timely referral and treatment," she said.
Experts at the seminar also highlighted the need to make treatment more affordable and called for a dedicated women's health institute to address conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis more systematically.
Abdul Muktadir, chairman and managing director of Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd, said combining medical expertise with technology could improve diagnosis and speed up access to care for women.
Special guests included Professor Md Mujibur Rahman Howlader, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Development) of Bangladesh Medical University; Professor Sayeba Akhter, Chairman of Bangladesh Medical Research Council; and Professor Firoza Begum, President of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh.
Experts said such technology-driven initiatives could mark an important step forward in women's reproductive healthcare in Bangladesh, particularly in improving early detection and treatment outcomes.
