Diagnosis

Some doctors and gynaecologists may suspect endometriosis based on your medical history and symptoms.  Scans, blood tests and other investigations may be offered to rule out other pathology.  A physical examination of the pelvis is often performed. These tests do not diagnose endometriosis on their own. 

The only definitive diagnosis is by way of a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy to view the pelvic cavity and test tissue samples. This is done under general anaesthetic by a specialist gynaecologist. It is now recognised that early recognition of symptoms and intervention can improve quality of life dramatically and may avoid compromised fertility. 

Seek help early for improved outcomes. Internationally, there is a diagnostic delay often more than 10 years from first presentation of symptoms to a doctor. A delay in diagnosis happens when:

Girls and women

• Think their symptoms are normal

• Delay seeking doctors advice

• Encounter barriers to accessing services through public hospitals 

Doctors

• Don't recognise symptoms could be attributed to endometriosis

• Think girls are too young to have the disease

• Delay referral to a specialist

• Prescribe hormonal therapy such as the pill.  The pill often improves symptoms and is  considered a regular and suitable first line treatment.  However, patients should be advised their symptoms could be endometriosis as this may alter treatment options now or in the long term

• Misdiagnose the condition.  Commonly endometriosis may be diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), appendicitis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), primary dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)

Gynaecologists

• Think girls are too young to have endometriosis

• Choose not to proceed with laparoscopic review for a variety of reasons

• Miss identifying endometriosis at laparoscopy