Endometriosis exists in different forms with different symptoms and prognoses. Despite its prevalence endometriosis remains a poorly recognized and misunderstood illness. Persistent confusion about appropriate management continues to surround the disease.
Despite advances in diagnostic technology, a confirmation of endometriosis requires surgical biopsy. This is commonly obtained through a minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is typically performed on an out-patient basis. Your surgeon will look at your abdomen and pelvic cavity through an instrument known as the laparoscope. This surgery allows your surgeon to inspect your abdominal and pelvic regions (and beyond, as needed) to diagnose and subsequently remove the disease. To date, anything less than surgical confirmation of endometriosis is considered uncertain.
Due to its diagnostic difficulties, endometriosis may be mistaken for other disorders that include:
Unfortunately, women and girls often try to “manage” the pain of endometriosis for years with painkillers and other medications, but these only mask symptoms of the disease. Patients are sometimes misled to believe that the only long-term solution is removal of all female reproductive organs – a myth. Endometriosis is not cured by removal of the reproductive organs. This dangerous misconception in the medical field is responsible for countless, needless hysterectomies performed each year.
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