What tests are done for endometriosis?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Endometriosis is generally diagnosed through color ultrasound and CA-125 blood tests. If the endometrial tissue is located within the uterine muscle, it forms adenomyosis, at which point the ultrasound will show an enlarged uterus and uneven muscle wall echogenicity. Blood tests for the tumor marker CA-125, if elevated above the normal level of 35, generally indicate adenomyosis. If the endometrial tissue is located in the ovaries, it can form ovarian chocolate cysts, which are visible on the ultrasound as ovarian sections and echoes, with typical ultrasound reports indicating ovarian chocolate cysts. Therefore, routine examinations for endometriosis typically include color ultrasound and blood tests, which can confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Endometriosis characteristics

The main characteristic of endometriosis is painful menstruation, and in severe cases, it can lead to heavy periods and prolonged menstrual cycles. If endometriosis leads to the formation of ovarian chocolate cysts, the rupture of these cysts can cause severe abdominal pain. Moreover, endometriosis can easily lead to pelvic adhesions, which are a common cause of infertility. If the condition is severe, abdominal pain may also occur after the menstrual period has ended. In the case of adenomyosis, the symptoms include an enlarged uterine body, heavy periods, and prolonged menstrual cycles. If the condition is severe, then surgical treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Does endometriosis affect pregnancy?

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition, which involves the implantation of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility: Firstly, when endometriosis occurs, it often affects the function of the ovaries. For example, ovarian chocolate cysts can affect the release of endocrine hormones in the ovaries, as well as cause ovarian ovulation disorders or premature ovarian failure. Secondly, endometriosis can cause inflammation in the pelvic cavity and adhesions within the pelvis. This will impact the function of the fallopian tubes, causing ovulation disorders in the tubes, as well as disorders in the transport function of the tubes. This can prevent fertilization, or after the sperm and egg have combined, the fallopian tubes may not be able to transport the fertilized egg to the uterine cavity, thus increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Endometriosis is a condition where the uterine lining grows outside of the uterine cavity, commonly seen in the pelvic region, particularly above the ovaries. Therefore, ultrasound (B-ultrasound) examinations are primarily used for accuracy. The ultrasound may reveal a large mass on one side of the fallopian tubes or ovaries, with uneven content inside. During the ultrasound, it can also be observed that the capsule of the mass is intact. Additionally, during a gynecological examination, the doctor may also feel a mass in the adnexa.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is endometriosis treated?

Treatment methods for endometriosis include conservative treatment and surgical treatment. If the patient's symptoms are relatively mild, the dysmenorrhea is not very severe, and there is no occurrence of excessive menstruation or prolonged menstrual period, conservative treatment can be applied. Common conservative treatment methods include oral contraceptive pills, and a levonorgestrel-releasing system can be placed inside the uterine cavity. If the patient has reproductive demands and the symptoms are more severe, or if there is a chocolate cyst on both ovaries, surgical treatment can be performed, but the recurrence rate after surgery is also relatively high. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Causes of Infertility in Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease that severely troubles women's daily lives. Besides causing painful menstruation, endometriosis is also a common cause of infertility. The reasons for infertility caused by endometriosis include the following aspects: First, endometriosis often leads to the formation of chocolate cysts on the ovaries, which can affect ovarian function and cause impaired ovarian function. Second, endometriosis can sometimes affect the function of the fallopian tubes, causing adhesions in the fallopian tubes. This may result in difficulties in egg pickup, preventing the sperm and egg from meeting and forming a fertilized egg in the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility.