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Our Austin endometriosis doctors employ tried and true diagnostic techniques
A thorough medical history is an important step in the diagnosis of endometriosis. When our Austin endometriosis doctors diagnose endometriosis, they will always begin by talking with you about your medical history. It is very important that you tell your doctor about your symptoms in the most accurate detail. It may help you to make notes before your appointment at Texas Fertility Center.
- When did your pain start?
- What type of pain are you experiencing?
- How would you describe your menstrual cycles?
- What affects your pain levels?
- Does your family medical history include endometriosis?
We start the process of diagnosing endometriosis with a physical examination
The pelvic examination is another important diagnostic tool employed by our Austin endometriosis doctors. During this examination, your doctor will press on your abdomen and areas of your vagina and uterus to check for painful areas.
Your doctor will also look for irregular shapes inside your pelvis, as well as cysts or scar tissue. The doctor may use a speculum during the exam. Once the pelvic exam is complete, you and your doctor will discuss the need for further testing.
Diagnostic tests at Texas Fertility Center can provide a more complete picture for our Austin endometriosis doctors
Additional testing for the diagnosis of endometriosis
Depending on the result of your pelvic examination, your doctor may decide to order further testing to confirm the diagnosis of endometriosis.
Blood tests
Sometimes, our Austin endometriosis doctors may recommend a blood test to check to see if you have a higher than normal level of CA-125 in your blood, which is a sign in some women of endometriosis.
Imaging tests
Our Austin endometriosis doctors may decide to use imaging tests to check for adhesions, or scar tissue, and cysts, or endometriomas, which are linked with endometriosis. These imaging tests also allow the physician to assess pelvic organs such as the bladder. Your Texas Fertility Center doctor may recommend an ultrasound or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Laparoscopic diagnosis of endometriosis
Since small adhesions and cysts may not be visible during imaging tests, our Austin endometriosis doctors may decide that a test called a laparoscopy is the best way to diagnose your endometriosis.
A laparoscopy is both a diagnostic tool and a surgical treatment. During a laparoscopy, you will have general anesthesia, but it is almost always an out-patient procedure. The surgeon inserts the laparoscope, which is a lit instrument with a video camera at the end, into very small incisions in the pubic area and abdomen. The camera provides the surgeon with a very clear picture of the abdominal cavity and pelvic organs. During the procedure, your Austin endometriosis doctor may also take a tissue sample or biopsy, or remove adhesions.
Diagnosing endometriosis can be difficult, and it is best done by doctors who have experience and expertise in dealing with endometriosis patients. Rest assured, our Austin endometriosis doctors can provide you with the knowledge and attentive care that you need and want.
