Treatment can include the contraceptive pill and different types of surgery, including a full hysterectomy.

American actress and writer Lena Dunham has spoken about her battle with the condition, which led to repeated surgery, and a hysterectomy last year at the age of 31.

Until now, the only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis has been via laparoscopy – a type of keyhole surgery where a camera is inserted into the pelvis to look at internal organs.

Harry Smart, MDNA Life Sciences’ chairman said: “Our groundbreaking test for endometriosis will fundamentally change the way this debilitating disease is detected and diagnosed.

“We look forward to helping UK women get treatment sooner, reducing their pain and distress and providing cost savings to health services.”

Dr Andrew Harbottle, MDNA Life Sciences’ chief science officer, said: “Mutations in mitochondrial DNA act as ideal biomarkers, providing us with a unique and detailed diary of damage to the DNA and accurately detecting many difficult-to-diagnose diseases and conditions, such as endometriosis.”