How to diagnose endometriosis

The diagnosis of endometriosis requires endoscopic examination and imaging examination combined with symptoms, including laparoscopy, ultrasound and MRI. Laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis, which can directly observe the ectopic lesions in the pelvic cavity; transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound can detect ovarian endometriotic cysts; MRI helps to evaluate deep infiltrating lesions.

1Laparoscopy is the most reliable method for diagnosing endometriosis. Through laparoscopy, the distribution, size and morphology of ectopic lesions in the pelvis can be directly observed, and tissue biopsy can be performed to clarify the pathological diagnosis. During the examination, treatment operations such as lesion resection or adhesion lysis can also be performed simultaneously.

2 Transvaginal ultrasound is the preferred method for initial screening. Ultrasound can clearly show the location, size and internal structure of ovarian chocolate cysts, and can also detect other abnormal changes in the pelvic cavity. For deep infiltrating endometriosis, three-dimensional ultrasound can more accurately evaluate the relationship between the lesion and the surrounding tissue.

3 Magnetic resonance imaging has important diagnostic value for deep infiltrating endometriosis. MRI can clearly show lesions in the rectouterine pouch, uterosacral ligament and other parts, and can evaluate the degree of infiltration of lesions and surrounding organs. It is particularly suitable for preoperative evaluation and diagnosis of difficult cases.

4 Clinical symptoms and medical history are also important bases for diagnosis. Typical symptoms include progressively worsening dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, etc. Detailed medical history and gynecological examination can preliminarily determine the possibility of endometriosis and provide a reference for choosing appropriate examination methods.

The diagnosis of endometriosis requires a combination of multiple examination methods, and clinical symptom assessment and medical history collection should be carried out throughout. Laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis, and imaging examination is an important auxiliary means. The combined use of these methods can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and provide a reliable basis for formulating treatment plans.