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Inform your doctor if you experience chronic pelvic pain worsening during menstruation. Pain during intercourse, bowel movements, and urination may indicate endometriosis. Unexplained heavy menstrual bleeding or irregular periods are potential red flags. Cyclical recurring abdominal bloating and fatigue may also accompany this condition. Here are ways to diagnose the disease:
Reviewing Medical History
Your doctor may assess your gynecological, reproductive, and family medical history. Relaying past diagnoses, surgeries, medications, and pregnancies provides context. Tell your doctor about any family history. Your medical history may help confirm suspicions before ordering physical exams and imaging tests. Describe any cyclical changes in pain intensity or new symptoms tied to your menstrual cycle. Tracking these patterns over time enables your doctor to identify trends pointing toward the issue.
Using Imaging Techniques
Doctors use imaging techniques to evaluate pelvic organs for endometrial growths without surgery. A pelvic ultrasound offers insights by revealing cysts or unusual masses on the ovaries. MRIs provide more detailed views to detect endometrial lesions embedded in tissues. Radiologists analyze imaging results to determine if there is a need for laparoscopic surgery. Non-invasive diagnostic imaging through ultrasound and MRI helps identify areas of concern.
Confirming With Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy represents a sure method for definitively diagnosing endometrial growth. In this minimally invasive procedure, a surgeon inserts a small camera and tools through tiny incisions to inspect abdominal organs. They identify endometrial lesions and collect samples for biopsy under high magnification. This allows for confirmation and may also help treat related scar tissue or adhesions in certain cases. Laparoscopy provides clarity when symptoms and other tests suggest endometrial growth.
Collecting Tissue Samples
Obtaining small endometrial tissue samples for laboratory analysis through biopsy provides confirmation of misplaced endometrial cells. Surgeons take small biopsies when endometrial tissues are observed during diagnostic or treatment procedures. Pathologists analyze these samples for the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus. This confirms endometriosis. Biopsy results rule out other pelvic conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Ask your physician if an endometrial biopsy may aid in your diagnosis and care.
Tracking Patient-Reported Outcomes
Tracking and communicating daily symptoms is a key part of your diagnosis and treatment. Documenting your pelvic pain’s frequency, severity, triggers, and impact over time will reveal patterns. Take note of activity, dietary, or menstrual cycle changes that precede or worsen symptoms. Monitoring symptoms aids communication with your physician. It may guide the next steps, such as physical examinations, hormone tests, imaging, or laparoscopy referrals.
Checking Hormone Levels
Since it is an estrogen-dependent condition, testing hormone levels provides insight into this disease. Your physician may order blood tests to check estrogen, progesterone, and other hormone levels. Hormone profiles reveal luteinizing hormone and ovarian stimulation issues. Elevated inflammatory markers may indicate underlying issues. Ask your doctor if a simple blood draw for hormone or inflammatory marker tests could augment your diagnosis.
Evaluating Pelvic Pain
Doctors palpate the abdomen and perform pelvic exams to evaluate pain and reproductive organ abnormalities. They check for tender areas, enlarged ovaries, pelvic masses, or uterosacral ligament nodules indicating endometrial implants. Manual pelvic evaluation helps corroborate symptom location and severity while ruling out other gynecological conditions. This examination complements imaging techniques and diagnostic surgery to identify endometrial tissues.
Schedule Your Appointment for Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. Symptoms, treatments, and discussions should be done with a specialist who can guide you on different treatment options. Specialists have experience in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. Their skills are beneficial in finding the best treatment option for your needs and goals. Schedule an appointment with a medical professional today.
