Diagnosis can feel like a journey, but it is an essential step toward finding relief.
In Common Questions
If you suspect you might have this condition, your healthcare provider will typically begin by asking about your medical history and symptoms. A physical exam follows, along with imaging such as ultrasound to help with the evaluation.
To confirm a diagnosis, doctors often recommend a minimally invasive surgery called laparoscopy. It allows physicians to see the pelvic organs and assess any endometrial lesions directly.
During the procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen and a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera, is inserted. The doctor can see visible lesions and may also be able to remove or treat them.
If surgery isn’t an immediate option, a combination of medical history, physical exams and imaging can still help. Ultrasounds can provide valuable information, but they may not always detect endometriosis. You may still have endometriosis if lesions aren’t visible on ultrasound, so many clinicians may suggest surgery or tissue testing for a more accurate diagnosis.
Endometriosis is more common than many realize, particularly among adolescents. If you are experiencing gynecological pain, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.