- 1. Vaginal and rectal examination
- 2. Pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound
- 3. CA125 blood test
- 4. Magnetic resonance
- 5. Video laparoscopy
In case of suspected endometriosis, the gynecologist, or fertility specialist, may request exams such as transvaginal ultrasound, CA125 exam or an MRI scan, but in some specific cases, further exams that assess other areas of the body and the degree impairment of these tissues.
Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue, which is the tissue that lines the uterus internally, in places outside the uterus such as the peritoneum, ovaries, bladder or intestines, for example. Usually the gynecologist orders these tests when the disease is suspected because there are symptoms such as very heavy menstrual cramps, pain during intimate contact or difficulty in getting pregnant.
Tests that are usually ordered to diagnose endometriosis include:
1. Vaginal and rectal examination
At the doctor's appointment, the gynecologist observes the vagina with a speculum and, if he thinks there may be intestinal endometriosis, he may also look at the rectum to look for cysts, which may indicate changes.
2. Pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound
Ultrasound can be done through the pelvis or transvaginally, being one of the first exams to investigate endometriosis, being necessary to completely empty the intestine before the exam taking a laxative the day before. It is very useful for identifying ovarian endometriosis, which is one of the most common, but it can also indicate whether there is endometriosis in the bladder, ureters, vagina and in the wall of the rectum.
See the necessary preparation, price and how the transvaginal ultrasound is performed.
3. CA125 blood test
The CA 125 exam is not specific for endometriosis, but it can also be ordered and must be done on the 1st or 2nd day of the menstrual cycle. It can indicate the disease when the result is above 100 IU / mL.
Find out what the CA 125 results can mean and how this exam is performed.
4. Magnetic resonance
It is usually ordered when ovarian masses are suspected that need to be better evaluated and can also indicate deep endometriosis, which also affects the intestine. This test can show the scattered fibrosis and changes in the pelvis, subcutaneous tissue, abdominal wall, and even the surface of the diaphragm.
Know the price, the types and how the MRI is done.
5. Video laparoscopy
Videolaparoscopy is the best test to identify endometriosis because it leaves no doubt of the disease, and it also serves to check the stage of the disease, and allows a biopsy of the tissue to be made to check for any suspicion of malignancy.
This test can also be ordered after some time of treatment to check if it is having the expected effect, but it is usually not the first option of the doctor because it is expensive and invasive, requiring anesthesia and first you must discover other foci of endometriosis to decrease the time the exam is performed.
Find out how diagnostic laparoscopy is performed, price and recovery.
There are other complementary tests that can also be ordered, such as a resonance or rectal echo endoscopy, for example, which help to better observe the places where the endometrial tissue is growing to institute the best treatment, which can be done with the continuous pill, for 6 months. During this period, the doctor may repeat laparoscopy again to assess the evolution of the disease. In the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the tissue that is growing outside the uterus, which can cause infertility if the pelvic organs are also removed.
