Infertility, painful periods, pain during sex, urinary urgency, painful bowel movements, heavy periods, or spotting between menstrual cycles are never normal. Many of us are told that severe cramps during menstruation or heavy and prolonged bleeding are part of our menstrual cycles.
The reality is that these symptoms, especially when they co-exist, can indicate an underlying gynecological condition, such as endometriosis. In many cases, it remains undiagnosed for years, as its symptoms mimic those of other gynecological or digestive issues. Let’s see how a gynecologist in Navi Mumbai diagnoses endometriosis.
Endometriosis Explained
Endometriosis is a gynecological issue in which the tissue that is similar to your uterine lining is found in other places in your pelvis. These can be on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and muscles that hold your uterus in place.
Now, these growths react to the hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle in the same way as your uterine lining. They break, bleed, but the blood doesn’t exit your body.
This, over time, can cause scar tissue, inflammation, ovarian cysts, and chronic pelvic pain. Common endometriosis treatments in Navi Mumbai include medication, progestin therapy, birth control pills, and surgery.
Endometriosis Diagnosis
There isn’t usually a single test to diagnose endometriosis. Most gynecologists consider a combination of physical tests, ultrasounds, your medical history, symptoms, and in a few cases, surgery to get an accurate diagnosis. Here’s how it’s diagnosed.
1. Symptoms
Your doctor will ask whether you have a family member diagnosed with endometriosis. They will also review your symptoms. The common endometriosis symptoms include:
- Severe menstrual cramps that often begin well before your period and linger around after bleeding stops
- Pain when urinating or passing bowel movements, especially during periods
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding, spotting between periods, lower back pain
- Abdominal bloating
- Excessive fatigue
- Difficulty getting pregnant
Many women find out they have endometriosis when they can’t get pregnant.
2. Pelvic Exam
Your gynecologist will check your pelvis on the inside with two gloved fingers to detect any cysts, abnormal growths, enlarged ovaries, or scars.
Pelvic exam alone may not be enough to diagnose endometriosis, especially if the disease is mild and there are no ovarian cysts.
3. Ultrasound
In an ultrasound scan, a probe is placed on your abdomen to generate detailed pictures of your reproductive organs.
The transvaginal ultrasound involves inserting the probe into your vagina for a clearer look at your ovaries and uterus. Ultrasound can’t always confirm endometriosis, but it can detect cysts that could be associated with endometriomas.
4. MRI
If your doctor suspects endometriosis that’s extensive or located deep within your reproductive organs, an MRI may be ordered.
The test is not routinely recommended for women with endometriosis. However, those planning to undergo surgery may need an MRI to locate the disease and determine its extent.
5. Laproscopy
Laparoscopy is a highly reliable way to confirm endometriosis. The surgery involves making a cut in the abdomen and inserting a specialized instrument to locate endometrial lesions. The surgeon might remove these lesions in the same procedure. This will help relieve your symptoms.
