GeneralHow Do You Test for Endometriosis?

Diagnosing endometriosis can be a difficult process because the symptoms can be very similar to other conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Medical practitioners use a combination of several tests before they diagnose silent endometriosis and recommend a treatment plan. These tests range from simple to complex, giving doctors enough information to create a tailored treatment plan for their patients. Below are six ways doctors test for endometriosis in women:

1. Evaluating Medical History

Before a physical test, a doctor reviews the patient’s medical history. It should include a review of their menstrual cycle, reproductive history, and any symptoms they may be experiencing. The medical history should also include details of any family history of endometriosis since the condition can be inherited. Once the doctor analyzes the patient’s medical history, they can refer them for a physical examination.

2. Conducting a Physical Examination

This test involves performing a pelvic exam to examine the size and shape of the patient’s uterus and ovaries. A doctor will manually feel the patient’s abdomen and pelvic region during the pelvic exam. If the doctor detects abnormalities, they can schedule the patient for additional tests to make an accurate diagnosis.

3. Performing Blood Tests

In some cases, the doctor may carry out a blood test after a pelvic exam to look for markers of endometriosis. A marker is an indication that a disease may develop. The blood test can measure the levels of a protein called CA 125. Although this protein is present in the blood of most women, its levels are higher in women with silent endometriosis or ovarian cancer.

4. Administering an Ultrasound

After a blood test, the doctor may suggest performing an ultrasound. This is a type of imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of internal organs. During an endometriosis test, doctors use ultrasound to create an image of the uterus and ovaries. If the images show the presence of cysts in the uterus, there’s a high likelihood that the patient has silent endometriosis. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may book the patient for a laparoscopy test.

5. Performing a Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy may be invasive for some women, but it’s effective in diagnosing endometriosis. It is a surgical procedure involving a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera, to examine the uterus and ovaries. During a laparoscopy test, the doctor inserts the laparoscope through a small incision on a woman’s abdomen. The doctor will look for signs of endometriosis through the camera. This includes cysts or lesions outside the uterus and ovaries.

Some advantages of using laparoscopy to test for endometriosis over performing surgery include:

• The quicker recovery period after the procedure
• Minimum blood loss
• Minimum scarring

6. Administering a Biopsy

After performing a laparoscopy test and confirming the presence of cysts in a patient’s uterus, the doctor may perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves taking a sample of endometrial tissue and examining it under a microscope to look for abnormal cells. This test may confirm the presence of endometriosis and determine the extent of the disease. This information helps the doctor to tailor a treatment plan for their patient.

Treating Silent Endometriosis

Although endometriosis is generally not life-threatening, it can cause extreme bodily pain and disrupt a woman’s life. Several treatments can help reduce painful symptoms and improve your quality of life. Some treatment options for endometriosis include the following:

• Surgery: This is a great option for women who experience pain because of endometriosis. Through laser surgery, a doctor may remove the endometrial tissue. While the surgery often relieves symptoms, it is not a cure, and the condition may reoccur.
• Hormone therapy: This is a combination of medications that reduce the production of estrogen and progesterone. Decreasing the levels of these hormones may reduce the amount of endometrial tissue that grows outside the uterus. This may help reduce the pain and other symptoms associated with endometriosis.

Diagnosing Endometriosis

Early diagnosis of endometriosis may help prevent further complications of the uterus. Since the condition is difficult to diagnose, women who experience any of its symptoms should seek medical help as soon as possible. Women living with silent endometriosis who wish to conceive should consult a specialist promptly who can help them begin fertility treatment.

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