How is endometriosis diagnosed?

There is no simple test to diagnose endometriosis. The only sure way to diagnose endometriosis is by laparoscopy.  A laparoscopy is a minor operation performed under a general anaesthetic, where a small telescope (laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen through a hole cut in the belly button.  The laparoscope has a lens at one end which magnifies and lights up the pelvic organs, so that the gynaecologist can look for endometrial implants and cysts within the pelvis.

There are degrees of the condition depending on the amount of endometriosis seen and the degree of scarring. Endometriosis may be classified either as mild, moderate or severe or by Stages 1 through to 5.

It is not possible to accurately diagnose endometriosis from your symptoms and an external examination alone. The symptoms of endometriosis vary widely and many of them are easily confused with other conditions.  For example, many women experiencing bowel symptoms are first misdiagnosed with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or spastic colon.

There are other (non surgical) tests that a gynaecologist may perform, including a pelvic examination, ultrasound, Ca125 ovarian tumour marker, MRI scan or a gynaecological exam, however none of these are able to definitely confirm endometriosis.

Content Updated March 06, 2008