Diagnosing Endometriosis
Endometriosis can be challenging to identify because its symptoms often mimic other conditions. Our providers use a systematic approach to determine the cause of your pain and the extent of the condition.
- Medical History: We begin with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, including the timing of your pain and its relationship to your menstrual cycle.
- Pelvic Exam: During a manual exam, your provider checks for abnormalities, such as cysts on your ovaries or scars behind your uterus, which may be indicators of endometriosis.
- Imaging Tests: We may use a pelvic ultrasound or an MRI to get a better view of your reproductive organs. While these tests cannot definitively diagnose endometriosis, they can identify cysts associated with the condition.
- Laparoscopy: This is the only way to certainlly diagnose endometriosis. In this minor surgical procedure, your provider uses a thin viewing instrument (laparoscope) to look for endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
Common Indicators of Endometriosis
The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods. While many have some cramping, those with endometriosis describe pain that is far worse than usual. Common symptoms include:
- Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea): Pelvic pain and cramping that may begin before and extend several days into a menstrual period.
- Pain with Intercourse: Pain during or after sex is common with endometriosis.
- Pain with Bowel Movements or Urination: You are most likely to experience these symptoms during a menstrual period.
- Excessive Bleeding: You may experience occasional heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding).
- Infertility: For some women, endometriosis is first diagnosed during an evaluation for infertility.
- Other Symptoms: Fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.
Comprehensive Care for the Concerns That Matter Most
Our providers offer a full range of gynecologic services — from routine preventive care to evaluation and treatment of specific health concerns. Click any item below to learn more.
- Annual or “well-woman” exams
- Adolescent gynecology
- Breast exams & breast pain
- Pap smears
- Colposcopy
- Contraception (hormonal and non-hormonal)
- IUD consultations, insertion, removal & management (Mirena, Paragard, Nexplanon)
- HPV vaccination (Gardasil)
- Management of abnormal Pap tests
- STD testing, information, and treatment
Effective Options for Pain and Fertility
While there is no cure for endometriosis, there are several effective treatments to manage symptoms and address fertility concerns. Your plan will depend on the severity of your symptoms and whether you wish to become pregnant.
Medical Management:
- Pain Medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen can help ease painful menstrual cramps.
- Hormone Therapy: Supplemental hormones can sometimes reduce or eliminate the pain of endometriosis by slowing the growth of endometrial tissue. Options include hormonal contraceptives, GnRH agonists, and progestin therapy.
Surgical Options:
- Conservative Surgery: If you have endometriosis and are trying to become pregnant, surgery to remove the endometriosis patches while preserving your uterus and ovaries may increase your chances of success.
- Hysterectomy with Removal of Ovaries: In severe cases where other treatments have not worked, surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries may be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
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