The most common symptom of Endometriosis is pelvic pain, which may range from mild to severe, and may also extend to the lower back or abdomen. Other common symptoms of Endometriosis include:
- Excessive bleeding during periods
- Bleeding in between periods
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain during urination or bowel movements
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus is also found outside the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries. This tissue outside the uterus—endometrium—acts just like the tissue inside the uterus; it builds up, breaks down, and sheds each month. However, the key difference is that this tissue doesn’t have any way to leave the body, and this results in pain, internal bleeding, and inflammation. Endometriosis can also cause infertility and bowel problems.
Diagnosis Endometriosis
The symptoms of Endometriosis can also be attributed to other conditions including (but not limited to) pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, or urinary tract infection. An accurate diagnosis is essential to finding the right treatment. The first step to a diagnosis is to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. He or she will conduct a pelvic exam and may recommend further testing with ultrasound. The Association of Alexandra Radiologists provides transvaginal and pelvic ultrasounds to aid in the diagnosis of Endometriosis.
Schedule an Ultrasound
The Association of Alexandria Radiologists provides ultrasound exams at hospitals and imaging center locations throughout Virginia. If you’ve been living with Endometriosis symptoms, talk with your doctor, and come to The Association of Alexandria Radiologists for your follow up ultrasound exam.
