Diagnosing Deep Invasive Endometriosis: Transvaginal Sonogram with Guided Approach

For women that suffer from invasive endometriosis, the complications of pain, abnormal bleeding and swelling are quite significant and can lead to impaired quality of life. Unfortunately, many women that suffer from deep invasive endometriosis do not even obtain the diagnosis due to lack of diagnostic study.

In diagnosing endometriosis related complications, the gynecologist has a variety of treatment options to choose from. Using transvaginal ultrasound, transrectal ultrasound, and even MRI, your gynecologist can adequately diagnose the complication. When the complication involves a risk for deep invasive endometriosis, these same studies are often used in the assessment process by the gynecologist.

When discussing your diagnostic procedures with your gynecologist, if your health risk is such that deep invasive endometriosis is of concern, you may want to use the transvaginal ultrasound as your first line of testing. Unfortunately, because of some lack of effective viewing, coupled with the implication for pain associated with the probe, many women are hesitant to use this diagnostic option.

If your gynecologist insists on the use of the transvaginal ultrasound, there may be steps that can be taken to provide for an improved visual inspection of the uterus, while decreasing your risk for pain. Inserting saline solution into the vagina, coupled with additional ultrasound gel inside the cover, can provide for a greater resolution. To reduce pain, your gynecologist can engage you in conversation during the procedure so as to avoid tenderness points.