What To Know About the Various Endometriosis Tests Available
Endometriosis refers to the condition where tissue grows in places outside of the uterus, including the ovarian tubes and ovaries, intestines, and other organs. The MyReceptiva endometriosis test utilizes biomarkers to determine the likelihood of the condition. Here is more information about endometriosis testing:
Evaluation Options
Symptoms of endometriosis include intense pain in the pelvic region, pain after sex, and infertility. Patients with silent endometriosis experience milder symptoms, such as bloating and bleeding in between cycles, as well as infertility. This can make it more challenging to detect. Undergoing early testing helps reduce complications such as ovarian cysts and broadens treatment options to improve fertility.
Medical professionals are able to utilize multiple evaluations to detect the presence of endometriosis. Going over a patient’s medical history allows them to determine if there is a family history of endometriosis and review menstrual cycles and pain levels to see if the patient is experiencing symptoms. Doctors use imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasounds to check for cysts and find evidence of tissue spread, and they can perform a pelvic exam to see if there are masses or tenderness that indicate endometriosis.
Other evaluation options include a biomarker endometriosis test and laparoscopy. The MyReceptiva test utilizes the BCL6 marker, which is associated with uterine inflammation and is found in both symptomatic and asymptomatic endometriosis cases. Higher levels of BCL6 indicate an elevated chance of endometriosis. A laparoscopy procedure allows doctors to take tissue biopsies, and it offers patients an official diagnosis.
Testing Procedures
Knowing what to expect during a testing procedure helps patients to prepare. Testing occurs after a consultation with a healthcare specialist. For a biomarker exam, there is a testing window of about seven to 10 days after ovulation, as this period provides the most accurate results. The MyReceptiva test comes with a complimentary Ovulation Kit to help patients find this window.
The test is able to be performed by a women’s healthcare specialist during an OB/GYN visit. During the test, the doctor uses a catheter to take a sample of cells from the uterine wall. After a brief resting period of about 15 to 20 minutes, the patient is able to resume their normal activities. This sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure. During a laparoscopy, the surgeon inserts a camera through the abdominal wall. This allows doctors to see the pelvic organs and perform an inspection, helping them find endometrial growth.
Test Results
The results of the endometriosis tests help determine the likelihood that the patient is experiencing endometriosis and help inform treatment decisions. With a biomarker test, a lab examines the sample and sends the results back in a pathology analysis within seven to 10 business days. The MyReceptiva test has a 93% percent sensitivity rate. A positive result in a BCL6 biomarker exam indicates a 90% or greater chance of endometriosis that is detectable via laparoscopy. A negative BCL6 result reflects a less than 7% chance of detectable endometriosis.
Receiving the results from a BCL6 test provides information that helps patients decide whether to pursue a laparoscopy. This procedure is able to act as a detection tool and a treatment, as it can remove growth, adhesions, and scar tissue. The test results also help doctors determine beneficial treatments to reduce symptoms and improve fertility. This includes:
- Hormone treatments
- Nutritional adjustments
- Lifestyle changes
Receiving endometriosis treatments helps improve the chances of a positive in-vitro fertilization (IVF) trial, allowing for successful embryo implantation. A negative result enables healthcare specialists to move away from endometriosis as a cause of infertility and review other possible underlying conditions impacting fertility. Negative results should be taken in context with the patient’s medical history.
Receive an Endometriosis Test
The MyReceptiva endometriosis test comes with the option to use biomarkers to check for conditions such as progesterone resistance and endometritis. The kit also comes with resources that provide information about different treatment options and available surgeons. A sample report is available on our website to help patients understand their test results. Patients have the opportunity to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation to find out more about the test. To begin the testing process, schedule a consultation with us today.
