If you suspect you may have endometriosis, it’s important to seek a diagnosis. The trouble is, getting the condition diagnosed isn’t as easy as it sounds. Due to how common the symptoms produced are, it’s easy for doctors to misdiagnose the condition as something else.
So, how can you ensure it is picked up if you are suffering from endometriosis? Here, we’ll look at how the condition is typically diagnosed.
Book an Appointment with Your Doctor
The first thing you’ll need to do to have the condition diagnosed is visit your doctor. They are going to need you to describe your symptoms, so make sure you have a list of them with you.
The more information you can give about your symptoms, the easier it will be for the doctor to recommend appropriate testing. If you explain your symptoms and the doctor dismisses them, make sure you’re insistent if you know they aren’t connected to something else. You know your body better than anyone so you’ll know, for example, whether your monthly menstrual pain is normal or not.
Undergoing a Pelvic Exam
One of the first steps to diagnosing endometriosis is to undergo a pelvic exam. This is where the doctor manually inspects the pelvic area for any abnormalities. They will feel for any cysts or scars which may be present.
It’s worth noting if the endometriosis area is quite small, it may not be picked up via a pelvic exam alone.
Ultrasound Testing
Another way you might be tested for the condition is through ultrasound testing. High-frequency sound waves are used to create images of the pelvic area. This type of testing can be carried out both externally through the abdomen, or internally through the vagina.
Again, this type of testing doesn’t give a definitive diagnosis for the condition. However, it can help the doctor get a better view of your internal organs. It can also pick up any potential cysts caused by endometriosis.
MRI Testing
MRI testing uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed images of the tissues and organs of the body. It can show the location and size of the endometriosis, allowing surgeons to plan the treatment method.
Laparoscopy Diagnosis
While the other tests mentioned can potentially detect endometriosis, the only way to fully diagnose the condition is through a laparoscopy. This procedure is carried out by a surgeon and it gives them a look inside the abdomen.
It is carried out via general anesthetic and involves a small incision being made near the navel. A laparoscope is inserted through the incision, allowing the surgeon to look out for endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus.
The above are the steps taken by doctors and healthcare practitioners to diagnose the condition. If you’re confident you are suffering with endometriosis, it could be worth asking for a laparoscopy procedure. This will provide the fastest diagnosis and help you start getting the treatment required as quickly as possible.
It can take years for women to be diagnosed with endometriosis, so being aware of the symptoms and diagnosis options available is crucial for early detection.