| If you believe you have endometriosis you should see | | | | going on. |
| a doctor immediately – plain and simple. | | | | |
| Endometriosis is nearly impossible to diagnose without | | | | Biochemical markers are another excellent method |
| the help of a trained medical professional. In fact, | | | | that doctors and medical professionals can use to find |
| it’s best to consult a doctor who specializes in | | | | out if endometriosis is present. Through research, it has |
| women’s health. Generally, a routine physical | | | | been discovered that there are certain chemicals in |
| examination can rule out endometriosis or require | | | | the blood of women that have developed |
| further tests to be performed. Once tests are | | | | endometriosis that are not found in the same |
| performed it is fairly easy to conclusively diagnose | | | | concentration in women without the condition. |
| endometriosis. | | | | Researchers have developed tests that look for a |
| | | | | specific antigen and a specific protein, which can often |
| In addition to physical examinations, doctors have a | | | | lead the way to a successful diagnosis. This is the |
| variety of tests at their disposal to render a diagnosis | | | | least costly test other than a physical examination, and |
| of endometriosis. Imaging tests rely on the use of | | | | takes the least amount of time – all it requires is a |
| complicated machines that can actually create visual | | | | small sample of blood to analyze. |
| representations of what is going on inside the human | | | | |
| body. In addition to letting doctors know what is going | | | | Laparoscopy is another way to diagnose if a woman |
| on, imaging tests can also pinpoint cysts and other | | | | has developed endometriosis. This test is conducted |
| abnormalities that may exist in the uterus. There are | | | | by creating a small incision into the pelvic region. A tiny |
| two commonly used imaging tests: Magnetic | | | | camera is then fed into the hole and doctors can |
| Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. | | | | watch the findings on a computer monitor. On the tip |
| | | | | of the camera there is an equally tiny apparatus for |
| When you get an MRI you are usually placed inside a | | | | collecting tissue. A tissue sample can be obtained in |
| machine, although newer technologies for a less | | | | this way and analyzed to see if endometriosis has |
| claustrophobic experience are becoming more | | | | developed. |
| common. An MRI renders a three-dimensional image | | | | |
| of a designated area of the human body. Using | | | | The only way to find out which test may be |
| magnetic fields an MRI can provide a doctor with a | | | | appropriate for you is to consult your doctor. These |
| superbly detailed image. | | | | tests are highly effective in helping doctors to |
| | | | | determine whether endometriosis is the correct |
| Ultrasound is another form of imaging used to | | | | diagnosis or whether there is another cause for the |
| diagnose endometriosis. This imaging technique has | | | | symptoms. Before undergoing any of these tests it is |
| been used most often to observe the unborn fetus in | | | | a good idea that you familiarize yourself with each one |
| the womb. However, there are other uses for | | | | of them. It is important to understand what you are |
| ultrasound. Using soundwaves, this imaging device can | | | | getting into before you undergo any medical |
| also provide doctors with a clear picture of what is | | | | procedure. |