Endometriosis Assessment Tool

Endometriosis is a medical condition in which the tissue that usually grows inside the uterus begins to grow in other parts of the body. This can include the outer surface of the uterus, the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, or other areas in the pelvic region. Because the tissue is growing where it shouldn’t, it can cause severe pain. The pain can be due to cramping in the uterus and in other parts of the body where the tissue is growing. Additionally, endometriosis can cause scarring, which can also be a source of pain.

It can be difficult to know if you have endometriosis because everyone experiences pain differently. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention to any pain you’re experiencing and not ignore it. If you’re experiencing unexplained pelvic pain or discomfort, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor. They can help determine if you have endometriosis or another medical condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Endometriosis is a prevalent health condition among women, and its diagnosis can be challenging. Its symptoms can overlap with those of other health conditions, making it difficult to detect.

Therefore, taking a quiz to determine the likelihood of having endometriosis is crucial. After taking the quiz, confidently share your symptoms and the result with your doctor. Discuss the possibility of endometriosis with your doctor and seek appropriate medical advice. Remember, taking control of your health is essential, and your doctor is there to help you.

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms with a combination of medications and surgery. Medication options include pain relievers, contraceptives, and hormonal therapy. Surgery may be offered for severe diseases and may help with infertility.

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose endometriosis

• Do you have abdominal pain (stomach ache)?

• Do you have pain in the lumbar back?

• Do you have pain in the bottom left area of your abdomen (stomach)?

• Do you have lower abdominal (stomach) pain when you empty your bowels?

• Do you have severe menstrual cramps?

• Abdominal pain

• Low back pain

• Lower left abdomen or tummy pain

• Lower abdomen/tummy pain when passing stool

• Painful menstrual cramps

• Pain in the pelvis- the lowest part of the abdomen, between the belly button and groin

• History of infertility

It takes an average of six to 10 years of experiencing symptoms before a woman usually gets diagnosed with endometriosis.
One reason for this may be how difficult it is to diagnose endometriosis.
“To definitively diagnose it, you have to have surgery,” Dr. Foster said.
It’s hard for doctors to justify surgery unless they are fairly certain endometriosis is the cause of the symptoms. That’s why Dr. Foster recommends keeping a detailed account of your menstrual cycle.
“The best thing is to keep a very detailed menstrual calendar,” she said. “Rank your pain level every day and write down your symptoms, such as when the pain started, how long it lasted, and whether it came before or after the onset of bleeding.”