What it is
Endometriosis is tissue like the lining of the uterus, growing where it does not belong.
It settles on the ovaries, the tubes and the lining of the pelvis. It still bleeds every month.
The blood has nowhere to drain, so it inflames and scars. Pain does not track with how much is there.
What you might notice
- Period pain that keeps you home from work or school
- Pain starting a day or two before the bleeding
- Deep pain with sex
- Pelvic pain on days you are not bleeding
- Pain with bowel movements, worse during your period
- Pain with urination during your period
- Ibuprofen that used to work and no longer does
- Trouble getting pregnant
How Dr. Mueller finds the cause
- 1
Your pain history
Dr. Mueller maps when the pain starts and what it stops you doing.
- 2
Pelvic exam
Tenderness behind the uterus is often the first physical clue.
- 3
Pelvic ultrasound
It finds cysts on the ovary but misses tissue on the surface.
- 4
Trial of treatment
Hormonal medication that quiets the cycle often settles the pain.
- 5
Surgery
Laparoscopy confirms it, and the tissue comes out in the same operation.
- 6
What comes next
What she finds at surgery decides the plan.
Questions people ask
- Can endometriosis be diagnosed without surgery?
- Often. Your pain pattern is usually enough to start treatment. Surgery settles it if that does not help.
- Does endometriosis show up on an ultrasound?
- Sometimes. An endometrioma on the ovary shows. Tissue on the surface usually does not.
- Is there a blood test for endometriosis?
- No. No blood test rules it in or out.
- Does endometriosis cause infertility?
- It can. Many women with endometriosis conceive without help.
- Does a hysterectomy cure it?
- Not on its own. Tissue outside the uterus stays behind unless it is removed too.
- Will it come back after surgery?
- It can. Hormonal medication after surgery lowers the chance.