How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

If you suspect you may have endometriosis, the first step toward getting answers is to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced providers at Cobb Women’s Health. Our team specializes in women’s health and is dedicated to helping you find relief from pelvic pain, heavy periods, pain during intercourse, or other symptoms that could be related to endometriosis.

To get a diagnosis for endometriosis, you will first undergo a thorough medical evaluation, including a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and any pelvic pain or menstrual irregularities you may be experiencing. A physical examination, including a pelvic exam, may be performed to check for abnormalities or tenderness in the pelvic region.

If endometriosis is suspected, imaging tests like an ultrasound may be used to look for cysts or signs of endometriosis. However, the definitive diagnosis often requires laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery where a small camera is inserted into the abdomen to visually confirm the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate diagnostic steps based on your symptoms and medical history.

We understand that an accurate diagnosis is essential. We encourage you to communicate openly with your provider at Cobb Women’s Health about your symptoms and concerns, as endometriosis can sometimes be challenging to diagnose. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

At Cobb Women’s Health, we understand that diagnosing endometriosis can be challenging, as its symptoms often overlap with those of other conditions. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing a thorough and compassionate approach to your care.

To diagnose endometriosis, several tests may be used:

• Pelvic Exam: During this exam, your doctor manually checks for abnormalities, such as cysts or scar tissue, that may indicate endometriosis.

• Ultrasound: An ultrasound, often a transvaginal ultrasound, is used to identify cysts or other abnormalities in the pelvic area that might suggest endometriosis.

• Laparoscopy: This is the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis. In this minimally invasive surgery, a small camera is inserted into the abdomen to directly view the tissue outside the uterus and confirm the presence of endometrial lesions.

Your healthcare provider will recommend the most appropriate tests based on your symptoms and medical history. At Cobb Women’s Health, we are committed to using a combination of medical history, physical examination, advanced imaging, and, when necessary, minimally invasive surgery to ensure an accurate diagnosis. We work closely with each patient to create a personalized care plan, supporting you at every step of your journey.

At Cobb Women’s Health, we understand that getting a diagnosis of endometriosis can be a long and frustrating journey for many women. The time it takes to diagnose endometriosis can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of symptoms. On average, it may take several months to a few years from the onset of symptoms to receive a diagnosis. This delay is often due to the symptoms of endometriosis being similar to other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or pelvic inflammatory disease, which can make it difficult to identify.

Initial steps, like a pelvic exam and ultrasound, may take a few weeks. However, the definitive diagnosis often requires laparoscopy, which may take additional time to schedule and complete. Early diagnosis can help with more effective treatment, so it’s important to seek medical advice if you suspect you have endometriosis.

At Cobb Women’s Health, our experienced gynecologists are committed to listening to your concerns and taking your symptoms seriously. Increased awareness among both patients and healthcare professionals is helping to shorten diagnostic delays, but challenges remain.

Our approach to managing endometriosis is centered on relieving your symptoms, enhancing your quality of life. Our experienced providers understand that every woman’s experience with endometriosis is unique, so we create individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals. Endometriosis can be managed through a combination of approaches, including hormonal therapies, pain management, and lifestyle modifications.

Here are some management strategies:

• Hormonal Therapy: Hormonal treatments are often used to reduce or eliminate the menstrual cycle, which can prevent endometrial tissue from growing. Options include hormone injections or an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases progestin. These therapies help regulate the hormonal environment and reduce the growth of endometrial tissue, thereby minimizing symptoms like pain.

• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications can be effective in reducing inflammation and pain. For more severe pain, stronger medications, such as opioids or nerve-blocking treatments, may be necessary under medical supervision.

• Dietary Modifications: Reducing inflammation through dietary changes may help manage symptoms. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol, can reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with endometriosis.

• Exercise: Regular exercise can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga are particularly beneficial for individuals with endometriosis.

• Stress Management: Since stress can worsen endometriosis symptoms, relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or mindfulness can help reduce stress levels and improve quality of life.

A multidisciplinary approach that combines these methods, with guidance from healthcare professionals, can help effectively manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with endometriosis. Our providers at Cobb Women’s Health work closely with you to develop an effective, individualized treatment plan and provide regular follow-up care to ensure your strategies remain effective and are adjusted as needed.

Endometriosis is a complex condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and other related symptoms. Board-certified gynecologist, Dr. Hitendra Hansalia, MD, FACOG, offers expert care in diagnosing and managing endometriosis, ensuring a personalized treatment approach for each patient.

• Comprehensive Diagnosis: Dr. Hansalia uses advanced diagnostic tools, including laparoscopy and imaging, to accurately identify endometriosis.

• Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored to each patient’s unique symptoms and health goals, combining medical management and surgical options when necessary.

• Ongoing Care: Dr. Hansalia ensures continuous support and follow-up care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

• Minimally Invasive Surgical Options: Where surgery is needed, Dr. Hansalia employs minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery time and improve surgical outcomes.

• Holistic Approach: In addition to medical treatments, Dr. Hansalia emphasizes lifestyle adjustments and holistic therapies to manage pain and support overall health.

• Comprehensive Patient Education: Ensuring that patients fully understand their condition and treatment options, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care.

For more information, contact us today or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1810 Mulkey Rd SW Suite 102, Austell, GA 30106. We serve patients from Austell GA, Lithia Springs GA, Mableton GA, Powder Springs GA, Fair Oaks GA, Hiram GA, Clarkdale GA, Smyrna GA, Marietta GA and surrounding areas.