Could severe pelvic pain indicate endometriosis?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing severe pelvic pain, and suspect it might be endometriosis. Can you explain how medical imaging is used to diagnose endometriosis, what types of imaging are most effective, and what I should expect during the diagnostic process?

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I understand your concern.

Some imaging can be used in the diagnosis of endometriosis (a medical condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus). They have their advantages and disadvantages.

1. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can give an idea of the location of the endometriotic tissues, and tissue penetration, and this knowledge can be used in deciding if you would need surgical management or not. The disadvantage of it is that the interpretation of the MRI result is dependent on the individual reading.

2. Laparoscopy: Here you would be placed under anesthesia and a small hole made around your belly button. A camera would be passed through the hole, and your pelvis and abdomen would be examined. This is the gold standard of diagnosis, as you would directly see the endometriotic tissues, determine their severity, and also carry out surgical exclusion if necessary.

So, if you are not opposed to a min-surgery diagnostic procedure, a laparoscopic is your best option, however, if you are opposed to it, an MRI can also give good results.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.