“How do I check for endometriosis?” It’s a common question and for a good reason. Endometriosis is a serious condition that can cause pain and other health problems if left untreated. But don’t worry; checking for endometriosis is pretty easy. This blog post will walk you through the steps you need to take to determine whether or not you have endometriosis. So read on, and learn how to take care of yourself!
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when microscopic bits of endometrial tissue escape from your uterus, attach to other organs in your body, and grow. While it usually affects the pelvic cavity and reproductive organs, in some cases, it can reach other areas, including the rectum or bowel. Endometriosis cannot be safely self-diagnosed. The symptoms make the condition easy to mistake for other health disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or ovarian cysts.
How Do I Check for Endometriosis and What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of endometriosis vary considerably and occur not only during your menstrual period but at other times throughout your cycle. Tell your doctor if you have the following:
- painful bowel movements or urination, particularly during your period
- painful intercourse
- infertility
- constipation
- bloating
- nausea
- heavy bleeding during periods
- bleeding between periods
- lower back and abdominal pain just before, during, or after your period
Diagnosis Is a Multi-Step Process
- A pelvic exam is the first step to determine if you have endometriosis. During the exam, your doctor will use their hand to feel the area inside and outside your uterus for anything unusual. They’ll check for any cysts or scar tissue that may point to endometriosis or help rule out other causes of your symptoms.
- Your doctor may also use an ultrasound to examine you. Ultrasounds use sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of your body. To do an ultrasound, your doctor will press a transducer (a wand-like instrument) against your abdomen to view your organs. They may also do a transvaginal ultrasound by inserting a transducer into your vagina.
The images might help your doctor identify endometriomas or “chocolate cysts.” These are cysts associated with endometriosis. Identifying them can help your doctor decide which other tests to use to help figure out what’s causing your symptoms.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are another imaging technique used to diagnose endometriosis. In this diagnostic test, a magnetic field and radio waves produce detailed images of your organs and other tissues inside your body. This imaging can help provide a clearer view of whether any endometrial-like tissue is growing outside your uterus.
- Laparoscopy is the only reliable method for diagnosing endometriosis. It’s a minor surgical procedure that allows your doctor to view the inside of your abdomen and collect tissue samples. These samples can be tested to confirm an endometriosis diagnosis.
If you discover you have endometriosis, your doctor can help you develop a plan to manage your symptoms.
Treatment Options
Treatment for endometriosis depends on age and the severity of your symptoms and disease. Whether you want to have children in the future is important before choosing a treatment option. Some treatments for endometriosis include:
- Pain relievers – ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen.
- Hormone therapy – birth control pills, progesterone pills or injections, and gonadotropin – agonist medications
- Surgery – laparoscopy, laparotomy, or hysterectomy
Your doctor can help you decide which treatment method is right for you. Although there is no cure for endometriosis, with the right treatments, the symptoms can be relieved for years.
Need to Check for Endometriosis?
If you have one of the symptoms listed above or are living with endometriosis, know that you are not alone. Help is available, and your doctor can work with you to find the best treatment method. With the right treatments, many women find relief from their symptoms and can live relatively normal lives.
Do you need to check for endometriosis? Creekside Center for Women offers a variety of treatments and services to help our patients manage their endometriosis. We would be happy to discuss these options with you and answer any questions you may have. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you need more information or want to schedule an appointment. 479.582.9268