Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually made by a gynecologist, through an adequate clinical evaluation (patient's history and physical examination) and there are some complementary tests that can be useful, such as blood tests and ultrasound, for example. In the suspicion of endometriosis, it is possible to clinically monitor the case's evolution or indicate surgery through videolaparoscopy (a surgical technique performed with the aid of a camera in the abdomen).

The average time between the first symptoms and the diagnosis is approximately seven years and, sometimes, the identification is made during the infertility investigation process.

Treatment

Endometriosis should be approached as a chronic disease and requires follow-up during a woman's reproductive life (the entire period in which she can have children), as this is when the disease manifests its main symptoms.

The treatment should be directed towards the patient's complaints, as well as the location and extent of the disease. The use of medications can be effective in controlling pelvic pain and should be the treatment of choice in the absence of absolute indications for surgery.

The procedure should be performed by a qualified healthcare team, through hormonal and analgesic medications and, when necessary, include complementary therapies such as physical activity, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and psychological support.

Prevention

Although it is not possible to prevent endometriosis, some strategies can help reduce the risk of developing it or worsening the symptoms:

Healthy diet: maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber can be beneficial for people with endometriosis
Regular exercise: regular physical exercise can help reduce inflammation and alleviate the disease's symptoms, such as pain
Stress management: chronic stress can worsen the symptoms of endometriosis. Therefore, stress management strategies such as meditation and yoga can help reverse the situation

References

Endometriose - BVS MS

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Vaginismus: condition in which the muscles around the vagina close involuntarily, causing pain during attempts at penetration