Despite its prevalence, endometriosis is widely seen as hard to diagnose. Data suggests that 10% of women are affected by endometriosis, while six out of ten cases are undiagnosed.
This chronic health condition occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium, which lines the uterus, grows outside of the uterus. But what makes endometriosis so hard to diagnose if we know what it is and how common it is? Various factors affect diagnosis, from the broad range of symptoms to difficulty locating the endometriosis, medical gender bias, and the sheer complexity of the condition all come into play.
What To Do if You Think You Have Endometriosis
Getting a proper diagnosis is critical if you want to manage the symptoms of endometriosis. The first step is taking note of any potential symptoms. Keep a diary and jot down when and to what degree you experience these symptoms. Symptoms can be painful periods, very heavy periods, spotting between periods, chronic pelvic pain, painful sex, back pain, painful urination or bowel movements, lethargy, or reduced fertility.
Abnormal abdominal pain or pain that interferes with your day-to-day activities are some of the most common signs of endometriosis. And while there are many of other conditions with severe abdominal pain and painful periods as symptoms, you should never ignore this type of pain.
Find a Good Doctor
Bear in mind that endometriosis can grow throughout the pelvic region. Another challenge to diagnosis is that not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and there are various types and stages of endometriosis. However, a good doctor will listen to you and examine you thoroughly.
If they can’t make any solid conclusions, there are other diagnostic methods—such as ultrasounds scans and MRIs—they can turn to. And as a last resort, they may conduct a laparoscopy. If your doctor is dismissive of your symptoms, doesn’t listen to you, doesn’t examine you thoroughly, or cannot provide any answers, it’s best to visit one of our gynaecologists at www.sydneyendometriosis.com.au
The Right Doctor Will Find Answers
Though a successful diagnosis and treatment rarely come instantly, if you are experiencing endometriosis-like symptoms, the right doctor will pursue various diagnostic methods beginning with non-invasive methods such as abdominal examinations, ultrasounds, and scans, before moving on to a laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is considered invasive. The procedure is conducted by inserting a laparoscope through an incision near your navel into your abdomen to assess the tissue in search of endometrial lesions. If no endometrial tissue can be found, there are a variety of other conditions which may be the culprit for your symptoms.
Conditions with similar symptoms to endometriosis:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Urinary tract infection
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Sciatica
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
- Adenomyosis
- Primary dysmenorrhea
- Fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic adhesions
- Fibromyalgia
- Appendicitis
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Uterine fibroids
If you have symptoms which may be indicators of endometriosis, don’t wait to get the care you need. The ideal doctor to diagnose and treat endometriosis would be a gynaecologist or obstetrician at a reputable medical practice.
