The healthcare provider will conduct your pelvic examination first. They will ask you several questions regarding your symptoms. They will analyze your pelvis by applying gentle pressure to different areas to know the location exactly where you are experiencing the pain. They will order tests for evaluation and confirmation of endometriosis. The symptoms of endometriosis are almost similar to other problems related to the reproductive organs and its evaluation is also complicated. This is why, they will suggest multiple tests for clear determination.
Confirmatory tests for endometriosis
Pelvic exam – The healthcare provider or gynecologist will look for the abnormalities in your reproductive organs, which include – the uterus, cervix, vulva, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, and rectum. They will check for infections, cysts, fibroids, tumors, and scar tissues. They will do this manually by touching different areas on your pelvis and exerting gentle pressure on them to see if it causes pain.
This is just a general examination of your pelvis, which helps them determine the area that might have abnormalities. After performing this, they will proceed further with other tests that will identify the cause of symptoms and determine whether you have endometriosis.
Ultrasound test – This is a non-invasive imagingtest, that is also known as sonography.This test uses high-frequency sound waves to generate real-time images of the internal organs. It captures detailed images of your reproductive organs, tissues, and blood vessels. The image will show the abnormalities that are giving rise to the symptoms.
In the case of endometriosis, the images will show the abnormal tissue growth and endometrial implants and their size. It will also indicate the presence of cysts, fibroids, and other abnormalities inside.An ultrasound test will help the gynecologist rule out the other disorders and confirm endometriosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – The MRI screening tests of the pelvis will determine the cause of the symptoms. It will generatedetailed images of the structures inside your pelvis. It is also a non-invasive type of test that will produce three-dimensional images of the structures inside the body.
The MRI technology uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate such precise images. The image will show the size of the endometrial implants and help infinding their exact location. The scanning process will take up to an hour to complete but before it begins,you will be asked to not consume anything for around 4 to 6 hours.A contrast agent or dye will be needed to create better images.
Laparoscopy – This test is performed with a laparoscope, which is an instrument that is inserted inside the lower abdomen to look directly into the reproductive organs. The slender instrument is inserted inside by making an incision under the belly button. A small camera is attached to the instrument, which helps determine the problem.To perform this test, general anesthesia will be given, which will numb the pain felt during the making of the incision.
Diagnostic evaluation is necessary, as it helps distinguish exactly what kind of problem is causing the symptoms. The symptoms of endometriosis are similar to some other disorders related to the pelvic region, and therefore, screening tests will reveal the root cause of symptoms.
Treatments for endometriosis
Once the reports are obtained after the diagnostic tests, your healthcare provider will suggest you treatment that will depend upon the severity of your condition. The treatment will be given with prescription or non-prescription medications. In some cases, they may also suggest you get surgery to manage the condition. The types of treatment that are generally suggested for treating the symptoms of endometriosis are:
- Prescription and non-prescription medications
- Hormone therapy, which includes hormonal contraceptives, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonist drugs, Progestin therapy, and Aromatase inhibitors.
- Conservative surgery
- Hysterectomy
- Fertility treatment
Other ways to manage the symptoms of endometriosis
- Over-the-counter drugs – OTC anti-inflammatoryor non-prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken tolower symptoms of endometriosis such as pain and muscle cramps.
- Heating pad – Heat therapy given to the pelvis region will numb the pain and inflammation and provide great relief. It reduces the muscle cramping.
- Warm bath – Taking a warm bath will relieve the muscle tension and increase the relaxation. The pain will subside and muscle cramping will be reduced.
- Yoga – Yoga postures bring down stress levels and enhance deep relaxation.You will feel relieved after doing some yoga postures and meditations.