{"id":1370,"date":"2022-02-03T09:49:18","date_gmt":"2022-02-03T09:49:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/?p=1370"},"modified":"2022-03-15T09:58:07","modified_gmt":"2022-03-15T09:58:07","slug":"why-its-so-hard-to-diagnose-endometriosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/why-its-so-hard-to-diagnose-endometriosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Why It&#8217;s So Hard to Diagnose Endometriosis?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Certain conditions in women are challenging for diagnoses, such as vaginismus, polycystic ovary syndrome, and most of all, endometriosis. In this article, you&#8217;ll learn about diagnosing endometriosis, its uncommon symptoms, and more. Of course, it is never a good idea to self-diagnose and self-treat, no matter which female condition you suspect you have. Instead, consult a professional for the best <\/span><a href=\"\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/endometriosis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>endometriosis treatment<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Only then will you receive expert guidance and the best solution to get your health back on track.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That being said, how is endometriosis diagnosed? Why is it challenging to diagnose? So, without further ado, find out how to test for endometriosis properly, and much, much more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Let&#8217;s begin.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is Endometriosis?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When an unusual tissue similar to the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus, a patient has endometriosis. It commonly causes pain and discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Typically, endometriosis involves the patient&#8217;s ovaries, but the tissue lining the pelvis and the fallopian tubes can also be involved. In some rare cases, this tissue can develop beyond the location of the pelvic organs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With this medical condition, the tissue does not only resemble the endometrial tissue in appearance but also in behavior. Namely, it can thicken, break down, and bleed every time a woman menstruates. However, this unusual tissue cannot &#8220;escape&#8221; the woman&#8217;s body, so it remains trapped. Endometriomas (cysts) might form when this condition involves a woman&#8217;s ovaries. In addition, the surrounding tissue may easily become irritated, resulting in adhesions and scar tissue. Often, this causes risks for the woman, as the organs and the pelvic tissues may adhere to each other.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In many cases, endometriosis causes serious pain, particularly during menstruation. Moreover, a woman can develop issues with fertility. If you or a loved one are concerned about endometriosis, consult a professional with years of expertise like <\/span><a href=\"\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/konstantin-v-nikitin-md-facog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dr. Konstantin Nikitin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Common and Uncommon Symptoms of Endometriosis<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1372 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Common-and-Uncommon-Symptoms-of-Endometriosis.jpg\" alt=\"Young Woman Suffering From Menstrual Cramps at Home. \" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Common-and-Uncommon-Symptoms-of-Endometriosis-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Common-and-Uncommon-Symptoms-of-Endometriosis-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Common-and-Uncommon-Symptoms-of-Endometriosis-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Common-and-Uncommon-Symptoms-of-Endometriosis-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Common-and-Uncommon-Symptoms-of-Endometriosis-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Common-and-Uncommon-Symptoms-of-Endometriosis-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/Common-and-Uncommon-Symptoms-of-Endometriosis.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Infertility and painful periods are some of the most common signs of endometriosis. However, there are some uncommon symptoms that make diagnosing endometriosis challenging. Below, find out the common and uncommon symptoms of this serious medical condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Common symptoms of endometriosis:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chronic pelvic pain, usually before or during the menstrual cycle<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pain during sexual intercourse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Extremely heavy menstruations that worsen with time<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cramping during urination or bowel movements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Infertility<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Various gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, nausea, and diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uncommon symptoms of endometriosis:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Difficulty breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Helpful reminder: The amount of pain you may experience might not be related to the illnesses degree of severity. Some women with endometriosis may experience severe pain, while others don&#8217;t. Moreover, symptoms may also vary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The biggest issue with diagnosing endometriosis lies in the versatility of the symptoms. As you can see, some of the uncommon symptoms of endometriosis may also hint to hiatal hernia (in the case of chest pain). So, it&#8217;s imperative to consult a healthcare specialist for the most accurate diagnosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Moreover, some women don&#8217;t experience any symptoms, boosting the chances of undiagnosed endometriosis. In the case of undiagnosed endometriosis, if left untreated, a woman may become infertile. Also, her chances of developing certain cancers will increase. To avoid undiagnosed endometriosis, we recommend visiting your OB-GYN at least once or twice a year for regular checkups.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Getting a proper diagnosis for this medical condition may take a while, mainly because patients confuse the symptoms with signs of other conditions. That&#8217;s why you must share as much information as possible with your healthcare specialist. So, how to test for endometriosis? The number one way is by laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a popular surgical procedure that involves a camera called a &#8220;laparoscope&#8221; inserted into your pelvis through a small incision near your navel. The skilled surgeon will use the camera to look at the pelvic organs and check for any signs of illness. Upon diagnosing endometriosis, the doctor may give you treatment right away or remove it for more examination.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">But, how to test for endometriosis if you don&#8217;t want incisions? Alternatively, you can opt for blood tests and scans, but these are typically ineffective ways of diagnosing endometriosis. Remember, endometriosis often shares signs and symptoms with other illnesses, so the diagnosis is challenging and usually delayed. Based on research, diagnosing endometriosis can last an average of 7.5 years (between a woman&#8217;s first doctor&#8217;s appointment and the one where she receives an accurate diagnosis).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall, the answer to &#8220;how is endometriosis diagnosed&#8221; is simple. You&#8217;ll need to schedule an appointment at a reliable clinic and choose laparoscopy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Will Endometriosis Affect My Fertility?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As we&#8217;ve mentioned, women with undiagnosed endometriosis who leave the condition untreated have a high chance of infertility. With that in mind, in many cases, endometriosis will not make you unable to have children. Instead, it can make the process of becoming pregnant challenging.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Women with milder cases of this condition who do not seek treatment can become pregnant at a rate of up to 4.5% each month. In comparison, the fertility rate of healthy women is around up to 20%.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Women who want to boost their chance of pregnancy or women who want to alleviate pain should opt for laparoscopic surgery. Based on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/conditions\/endometriosis#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20common,there%20may%20be%20no%20symptoms.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">results of a study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, 29% of women with this condition who underwent laparoscopy could become pregnant within only 9 months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Possible Medical Treatments for Endometriosis<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you&#8217;ve just been diagnosed with endometriosis and you&#8217;re trying to explore your treatment options, we have some good news. There are plenty of things you can do to prevent the recurrence of endometriosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some options include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Progestin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Oral contraceptive pill<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Danizol<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Usually, a healthcare specialist will recommend the oral contraceptive pill as your initial treatment. The pill will address the pain by suppressing your period and stopping mild to moderate cases of the condition from progressing. Women who aren&#8217;t planning to have children in the near future may like this treatment approach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, in some cases, drug treatments won&#8217;t be effective. Fortunately, you can also look at surgical options for endometriosis treatment. Doctors often perform surgery to restore damaged organ function, remove adhesions and scarring, and get rid of the pain. On the downside, even though the surgeon can remove endometriosis, the underlying cause remains unchanged and has a high chance of recurring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Can I Reduce the Risk of Endometriosis?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1373 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/How-Can-I-Reduce-the-Risk-of-Endometriosis.jpg\" alt=\"Young Woman Exercising at Home in a Living Room.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/How-Can-I-Reduce-the-Risk-of-Endometriosis-200x134.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/How-Can-I-Reduce-the-Risk-of-Endometriosis-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/How-Can-I-Reduce-the-Risk-of-Endometriosis-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/How-Can-I-Reduce-the-Risk-of-Endometriosis-600x401.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/How-Can-I-Reduce-the-Risk-of-Endometriosis-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/How-Can-I-Reduce-the-Risk-of-Endometriosis-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/03\/How-Can-I-Reduce-the-Risk-of-Endometriosis.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sadly, there is no way to prevent endometriosis. However, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this medical condition by lowering estrogen levels in the body. Estrogen, an essential hormone in the body, assists in thickening the lining of the uterus during a menstrual period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here are some ways to reduce estrogen levels in the body:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Exercise frequently and keep your body fat percentage low<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reduce or eliminate alcohol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reduce or eliminate caffeine, including green tea, sodas, and coffee<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Consult your doctor about birth control with lower estrogen levels<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Warning: Do not attempt to lower your estrogen levels without talking to your doctor first.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Book an Appointment Today<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stressed? Worried? You don\u2019t know who to turn to? Consult us today and receive the best expert guidance, diagnosis, and treatment for your health concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Certain conditions in women are challenging for diagnoses, such as vaginismus, polycystic ovary syndrome, and most of all, endometriosis. In this article, you&#8217;ll learn about diagnosing endometriosis, its uncommon symptoms, and more. Of course, it is never a good idea to self-diagnose and self-treat, no matter which female condition you suspect you have. Instead, consult  [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1371,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[108,105,106,107,109],"class_list":["post-1370","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-endometriosis","tag-diagnosing-endometriosis","tag-how-is-endometriosis-diagnosed","tag-how-to-test-for-endometriosis","tag-uncommon-symptoms-of-endometriosis","tag-undiagnosed-endometriosis"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1370","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1370"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1370\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1371"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1370"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1370"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1370"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}