Endometriosis: how to diagnose it?
November 30, 2020
Endometriosis is a gynaecological disorder caused by cells which are identical to those of the endometrium outside the uterus. A chronic disease that affects 1 in 10 women, unlike the endometrium evacuated during menstruation, these tissues cannot be eliminated naturally and thus give rise to inflammatory reactions.
Endometriosis can be one of the reasons for infertility. Unfortunately, the delay in diagnosis is quite frequent: this abnormality can be confirmed 8-10 years after the first symptoms. So how to avoid a late diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible?
Diagnostic techniques for endometriosis
- Pelvic ultrasound is a method of detecting endometrioid ovarian cysts and endometriosis foci in the uterine muscle layer. There is a particular classification of ultrasound signs according to various stages.
- MRI of the pelvic organs allows a more precise determination of the endometriosis foci and the degree of the lesion.
- Colposcopy is recommended for all patients (even those without endometriosis). Colposcopy allows the examination of endometriosis sites on the cervix.
- Hysteroscopy is an examination to detect adenomyosis (endometriosis inside the uterus).
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Laparoscopy is one of the most reliable ways of diagnosing and treating endometriosis, allowing us to visually see the endometrial tissue which may be located on the digestive, genital or urinary organs.
Endometriosis is impossible to prevent. However, you can reduce the risk of developing the disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle, better stress management and a healthy diet. Take care of yourself!