Private WID-easy test at our London clinic

The WID-Easy test is a new and simple swab test for perimenopausal and menopausal women who are experiencing abnormal bleeding. It involves a quick and pain-free vaginal swab, carried out by our experienced gynaecologists and feels very similar to having a cervical smear.

The sample is analysed in a specialist laboratory using PCR (polymerase chain reaction). This highly sensitive lab technique – similar to a COVID test – enables us to quickly and accurately identify whether you’re at risk of womb (endometrial) cancer. 

Traditionally, abnormal or unexplained bleeding is investigated using ultrasound, followed by invasive procedures (such as a hysteroscopy or curettage) to rule out cancer. This can take some time and often causes unnecessary anxiety, as 9 out of 10 women referred for these procedures do not have womb cancer. 

A WID-Easy test is non-invasive and more effective as it reduces false positives by nearly 90% compared to ultrasound, whilst being equally accurate in predicting the risk of cancer.

The WID-Easy test is designed for women who are peri-menopausal or menopausal, aged 45 and over, who have been experiencing abnormal bleeding.

Unexplained bleeding during this time is an extremely common phenomenon and can be due to a range of factors – including hormonal changes, HRT dosage, polyps and fibroids – so a consultation with one of our gynaecology team, alongside a WID-Easy test where appropriate, is often the quickest and easiest way of getting the reassurance you need. 

The test is particularly useful in cases where it is traditionally difficult to get accurate ultrasound results; for example, if you have fibroids or a high BMI. 

It’s reassuring to know that in most cases abnormal bleeding doesn’t mean you have endometrial cancer. Having the WID-Easy test means we can quickly rule out cancer, potentially avoid invasive tests such as a hysteroscopy, and reduce unnecessary stress and anxiety.

The WID-Easy test has many significant benefits, including the following:

• Less invasive: helps many women avoid unnecessary and invasive surgical procedures
• Greater accuracy: around 9 in 10 women referred for further testing after an ultrasound do not have cancer, compared with just 1 in 10 following a positive WID-Easy test result
• Suitable for more women: WID-Easy tests can be used where it has traditionally been hard to obtain accurate results with ultrasound scans
• Rapid results: following a quick swab test, your results are available within a few days. This can reduce the need for multiple appointments, and allows us to assess the cause of your bleeding quickly and accurately. 

We simply take a swab from your vagina and the back of your cervix using a speculum, in a procedure very similar to a smear test. It takes just a few seconds and causes minimal discomfort.

We then send the sample to a specialist lab where a PCR technique is used to analyse your DNA, looking for chemical warning signs that point to the presence of cancerous cells.

You will receive your results within a few days, and in the majority of cases, it enables us to rule out cancer, giving you the answers you need quickly.

Our gynaecologists, either Consultant Gynaecologists or highly experienced GPs, will carry out your WID-Easy test, usually as part of your consultation. You are in expert hands throughout.

Abnormal bleeding can be caused by a range of factors, so it’s important to understand what may be causing your symptoms and whether the test is the right option for you. 

During a consultation, we will:

• Discuss your symptoms, including details/timings of any abnormal bleeding
• Go through your medical history and any medications you are taking
• Review your HRT (the wrong type/dose can often cause prolonged bleeding)
• Explain what the test is and what it involves

If the WID-Easy test is appropriate for you, it involves the following simple steps:

• We first make sure you are comfortable, then take a quick swab from your vagina and the back of your cervix using a speculum, similar to what happens during a smear test
• We send the sample to a specialist laboratory for PCR analysis
• We let you know the results within a few days and discuss the next steps that are needed

The WID test is effective at ruling out endometrial cancer with a high degree of accuracy. Clinical studies have found that when the test result is negative, there is a 99.7% chance that there is no cancer present.

Additionally, there are significantly fewer false positives compared to a transvaginal ultrasound, where around 9 out of 10 patients referred for further investigations turn out not to have womb cancer.

The WID-Easy Test is also more accurate in diagnosing endometrial cancer than ultrasound among:

• Black women, who are more likely to have a late-stage diagnosis
• Women with fibroids
• Women with high BMI

The advantage of the WID-Easy test is that your results are available within a few days, and we will call or email you with your results, depending on your preference.

An abnormal WID-Easy test result doesn’t necessarily mean that you have endometrial cancer. However, it does indicate there’s a higher likelihood of cancer and that you may need further tests or investigations.

If your WID-Easy test result is positive we will contact you promptly to arrange a consultation with a Consultant Gynaecologist. They will review your symptoms, explain your results and answer any questions you may have. They will then recommend the most appropriate next steps, which may include:

• Transvaginal ultrasound: to assess the thickness and appearance of the womb lining (endometrium).
• Endometrial biopsy or curettage: a small sample of the womb lining is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• Hysteroscopy: a small camera is used to inspect the womb lining directly, and biopsies can be taken at the same time. This is a key investigation for confirming or ruling out cancer.

We understand that a positive test result can be worrying. We will ensure that you are seen by a Consultant Gynaecologist as quickly as possible and that any further investigations are arranged promptly. If cancer is suspected, we can refer you to some of the UK's leading oncology specialists, who can advise on the next stages of your care.

Our experienced women's health team offers immediate access to the WID-Easy test, alongside expert assessment and ongoing support should you need any further tests or treatment. As specialists in perimenopause and menopause, our Consultant Gynaecologists and experienced women's health GPs provide empathetic, personalised care and expert guidance throughout the process.

The benefits of visiting our clinic for your test include:

• No referral needed
• An in-depth consultation to discuss your symptoms and medical history, and to ensure the test is right for you
• Expert advice and guidance from experienced menopause specialists if you need further investigations or treatment for abnormal bleeding that is not related to cancer
• Tailored, evidence-based treatment plans, with access to London's leading cancer specialists should it be necessary