What Is Endometriosis Testing?

ByBela Angress

Endometriosis is a chronic condition, and it occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Because symptoms of this disease can overlap with those of other conditions, testing is key to confirm a diagnosis and guide treatment. Here’s some information about endometriosis tests and their benefits:

Understanding Endometriosis Testing

Comprehensive testing enables medical professionals to diagnose endometriosis, make informed treatment decisions, and enhance patient care. It allows them to provide personalized recommendations tailored to individual circumstances and health histories. The symptoms of endometriosis vary widely, so testing may involve a combination of evaluation methods. These include:

  • Medical History and Symptom Review: Healthcare providers gather detailed information about the patient’s symptoms, menstrual cycles, pain levels, and family history of endometriosis. This step helps identify patterns and risk factors to guide further testing.
  • Pelvic Exam: During a physical examination, doctors check for abnormal signs, such as tenderness, nodules, or masses, in the pelvic area. These signs provide clues about the presence of endometriosis.
  • Imaging Tests: Ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are valuable tools for detecting cysts and other abnormalities linked to endometriosis.  
  • Laparoscopy: This procedure allows doctors to visually inspect the pelvic organs and take tissue biopsies to confirm the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus.
  • Biomarker Testing: The MyReceptiva test detects elevated levels of the BCL6 protein marker, which helps identify inflammation associated with endometriosis.

Early and accurate testing allows patients to manage their endometriosis and improve their quality of life. A timely diagnosis can help reduce complications such as chronic pain, ovarian cysts, and fertility issues. It lets them explore treatment options before symptoms progress. In cases involving infertility, advanced testing may also uncover underlying causes and enable specialists to create targeted fertility plans.

Determining When To Get Tested

Various symptoms and life situations can prompt an individual to ask their doctor about an endometriosis test. Ongoing pelvic pain, especially during or between menstrual periods, is worth discussing with a medical professional. Some discomfort during menstruation is common, but debilitating cramps or pain that worsens over time should be evaluated. Pain that interferes with daily activities, work, or sleep is also not normal and may be a sign of endometriosis. 

Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility; it contributes to approximately 30-50% of infertility in women. If an individual has been trying to conceive for several months to a year without success, they may ask their doctor about endometriosis testing. Once endometriosis is confirmed or ruled out, appropriate fertility treatments or alternative care plans can be explored based on the diagnosis.

Symptoms such as pain during or after intercourse, painful bowel movements, and urinary discomfort are also associated with endometriosis. Some patients with the condition experience digestive issues or chronic fatigue. If standard pain relief is no longer effective, or if symptoms are worsening, individuals can pursue further diagnostic testing. Tracking symptoms over time and discussing changes with a healthcare provider helps guide the decision to seek further testing.

Exploring BCL6 Testing

A BCL6 test can help identify an underlying endometriosis diagnosis that has been previously missed or overlooked. To complete this test, a healthcare provider takes a small sample of endometrial tissue through a biopsy. They then send the sample to be analyzed in a lab. The lab assesses the level of BCL6 protein and shares a comprehensive report with the provider or patient. A positive result indicates a 90% chance or higher that endometriosis is present. Doctors can then look into treatments such as laparoscopic surgery or hormonal therapy. A negative result makes endometriosis less likely, allowing doctors to explore other causes of infertility or pain.

Providers can use BCL6 testing to detect endometriosis in patients experiencing unexplained infertility or recurrent IVF failure. The test is helpful when symptoms suggest endometriosis, but traditional exams or scans fail to confirm it. It provides a less invasive alternative to surgery and helps identify silent endometriosis, particularly in women without visible cysts or lesions.

Ask Your Doctor About an Endometriosis Test

An endometriosis test can help determine the cause of persistent pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, or unexplained infertility. If you’re experiencing these symptoms or suspect you have this condition, ask your doctor or fertility clinic about MyReceptiva. This diagnostic tool detects increased BCL6 expression, and it enables healthcare professionals to provide personalized guidance based on the results. Contact us today to learn more, or visit our site to order your kit.