How Do I Know if I Have Endometriosis and How Do I Get Tested?

What is fascinating about endometriosis is just how varied the condition can be, and importantly, the fact that not everyone with endometriosis will have pain symptoms.

The pain symptoms people with endometriosis might notice include, but aren’t limited to, pain with menstruation, pain with intercourse, pain opening their bowels, or pain passing urine. The cyclical nature of symptoms, in line with the menstrual cycle, is often a hallmark characteristic, but it is not always present. Many people with endometriosis will experience pain outside their period, which may represent disease progression or a change in the type of pain they are experiencing.

Track your pain

Endometriosis is a complicated condition that doesn’t fit into any single pain theory. That’s why it is so important to monitor your pain symptoms and track these in line with your cycle. If pain is interrupting with your daily life and stopping you from studying, working, or enjoying yourself then see a specialist about a diagnosis of endometriosis. 

Here are my suggestions:

1. Track your pain symptoms with your menstrual cycle
2. Be alert to any triggers for your pain
3. Speak to a specialist if your pain is interrupting your quality of life

Tests for endometriosis

There are different ways in which endometriosis is diagnosed, and unfortunately there is no readily available test that can pick up every case of endometriosis. This, in part, has contributed to the long delays we see people facing accessing a diagnosis and treatment.

The common approaches to diagnosis include a pelvic ultrasound, an MRI scan, or laparoscopy. Scans are very useful prior to any surgical procedure as they help your specialist plan surgery if it is required.

Read the full version of this article in Issue 2 of Female Health & Fertility magazine. Available for purchase here.