Endometriosis is a common condition affecting an estimated 10% of women in the United States. Unfortunately, it can be tricky to diagnose, and no single test can definitively confirm it. To diagnose endometriosis, doctors must use a combination of tests. This blog post will discuss the different tests used for diagnosing endometriosis.
History and Physical Exam
The first step in diagnosing endometriosis is taking a history and a physical exam. During this exam, your doctor will assess your abdomen and pelvis for any signs of swelling or tenderness. They may also order blood work to check hormone levels and screen for other conditions with similar symptoms.
Can you see endometriosis on blood test?
Imaging Tests
Your doctor may also order imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan to better look at your reproductive organs and rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms. Ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of internal organs. MRIs use magnetic fields to produce detailed images of soft tissue structures like the uterus and ovaries.
Laparoscopy
Finally, if all other tests come back inconclusive or your doctor suspects endometriosis due to its similarity with other conditions, they may recommend a laparoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a tiny camera into the abdomen through small incisions near the navel area. This tiny camera allows them to look at the pelvic area better and take samples for further testing if necessary. Laparoscopies are usually done under general anesthesia, so you will not feel anything during the procedure.
Endometriosis can be hard to diagnose because its symptoms are often very similar to other conditions, such as period discomfort, ovarian cysts, or pelvic inflammatory disease. If you think you have endometriosis, you must talk to your doctor as soon as possible so they can determine what type of testing is right for you and how best to treat it. Working with the right healthcare provider ensures you receive the best care possible for managing your condition and improving your overall quality of life.
