The diagnosis of endometriosis is first suspected by taking a history of the woman's symptoms. Many women have been led to believe that pelvic pain, period pain and sexual discomfort are a woman's "lot in life" or are exaggerated. Despite adequate information and knowledge of endometriosis, some doctors still have this attitude and the final diagnosis can be delayed for many years while the woman continues to suffer.

  

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Not everyone who has endometriosis has all the symptoms below, but any of them may be present.

Pain Painful periods (before and /or during menstruation) /
Abdominal pain / Leg/thigh pain
Period Problems Heavy bleeding / Bleeding between periods / Irregular cycles
Bowel Problems Painful bowel motions / Bleeding from the bowel / Diarrhoea and/or constipation
Bladder Problems The need to pass urine frequently / Pain on passing urine
Sexual Discomfort Pain during intercourse / Pain after intercourse
Infertility Delay in getting pregnant
Other Symptoms/Problems Lethargy / Irritability / Depression / Absenteeism due to pain /
Poor work performance due to pain

Blood tests for endometriosis are not reliable, so a doctor must take a thorough history of the patient, performing an appropriate examination and suspecting endometriosis. The only sure way to diagnose is to actually see the endometriosis through a laparoscope.

Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is a minor, relatively safe operation performed under anaesthesia in hospital. A telescope with a small camera attached is inserted into the abdomen through a small cut in the naval. The internal organs are then inspected for signs of the disease.

Treatment can be performed at the time of the examination if the disease is mild to moderate. If the disease is severe, treatment may need to be planned at a later date.

Some doctors still believe that an open operation (laparotomy) is a more effective way of dealing with endometriosis, but this is not correct.