There is no simple test that can be used to diagnose endometriosis, which may be why there is a diagnostic delay of up to 12 years in some healthcare settings.
At present the only reliable way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is by performing a laparoscopy and to take a biopsy of the tissue.
Diagnosing endometriosis is a challenge, but an experienced gynecologist should be able to recognize symptoms suggestive of endometriosis through talking with the woman and obtain a history of her symptoms. For this to be effective, it is important that the woman is honest with her physician about all of her symptoms and the pattern of these.
Treatment
Since the cause of endometriosis remains unknown, a treatment which fully cures endometriosis has yet to be developed, and there is no overwhelming medical evidence to support one specific type of treatment for endometriosis over another.
Choosing a treatment therefore comes down to the individual woman’s needs, depending on her symptoms, her age, and her fertility wishes. She should discuss these with her physician so that they, together, can determine which long term, holistic, treatment plan is best for her individual needs.
For many women, this can be a combination of more than one treatment over longer periods of time, including:
• Pain killers
• Hormonal Therapy
• Surgery
• Nutritional Therapy
• Alternative Medicine
Finally, remember that endometriosis affects more than just the physical body. It may affect women and girls in profound emotional ways as well. Psychologists and counselors can play an important role by helping women and girls cope with the feelings of confusion, disbelief, chronic pain, infertility, and frustration that often accompany this disease.
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What Else Could It Be?
There are other disorders that can cause pelvic pain, including sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and fibroids. Symptoms of endometriosis are similar to symptoms for these disorders.
Each month, track your pain and how heavy your flow is and how many days your period lasts. You’ll discover whether or not your menstrual cycle is regular and how often you experience pain during your cycle. This will be helpful when talking to your clinician about whether or not your monthly pain might be something more than just a pain.
Severe menstrual pain shouldn’t be ignored, so visit your clinician if you’re experiencing any pain before or during your period, or pain during intercourse if you’re sexually active.
