Endometriosis 101
	How do doctors diagnose endometriosis? Symptoms of endometriosis often begin seven, to twelve days before the woman’s period occur and worsen during the period. There may also be painful intercourse or bowel movements depending on where exactly the cells have attached. Unfortunately the diagnosis of endometriosis is difficult. There are no laboratory tests that can identify the problem and the groups of cells, even though quite painful, are usually too small to show up using an x-ray or sonogram. Because of these difficulties the most effective tool for diagnosis is laparoscopic surgery. This minimally invasive and very common surgical technique allows the surgeon to look into the abdomen with a very small scope and actually view the area and the find the exact location of the misplaced endometrial cells.

Endometriosis 101

How do doctors diagnose endometriosis?

Symptoms of endometriosis often begin seven, to twelve days before the woman’s period occur and worsen during the period. There may also be painful intercourse or bowel movements depending on where exactly the cells have attached.
Unfortunately the diagnosis of endometriosis is difficult. There are no laboratory tests that can identify the problem and the groups of cells, even though quite painful, are usually too small to show up using an x-ray or sonogram. Because of these difficulties the most effective tool for diagnosis is laparoscopic surgery. This minimally invasive and very common surgical technique allows the surgeon to look into the abdomen with a very small scope and actually view the area and the find the exact location of the misplaced endometrial cells.