Silent Endometriosis Explained

ByRadiateU Service

Silent endometriosis occurs without the typical severe symptoms associated with endometriosis, so many people don’t realize they have it. This condition can go undiagnosed for years or be misdiagnosed as something different. MyReceptiva is a test that helps detect endometriosis, even when the usual symptoms aren’t present. Here’s more information about silent endometriosis and what to do if you suspect you have it:

Defining Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Endometriosis 

The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus, and hormones cause it to thicken each month to prepare for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the lining breaks down and leaves the body during a menstrual period. Endometriosis refers to when tissue that looks and acts like the endometrium grows outside of the uterus. This abnormal tissue can appear in various places, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvis. 

Although this tissue is in the wrong place, it continues to respond to monthly hormones, causing it to thicken and break down. It also has no way to leave the body, so instead it causes inflammation or scar tissue buildup. In symptomatic cases, this can result in significant abdominal pain, bladder discomfort, and pain with sex. Painful periods and heavy bleeding also occur in some individuals. When symptoms are mild or absent, the condition is referred to as silent endometriosis.

Exploring Hidden Symptoms

Individuals with silent or asymptomatic endometriosis still experience abnormal tissue growth, but they lack obvious symptoms like severe pelvic or back pain. They may only have subtle or occasional discomfort. Many of the symptoms are also non-specific, so this makes the condition more difficult to diagnose. Approximately 65% of women with endometriosis are misdiagnosed initially and need to see additional doctors for an accurate diagnosis. Their symptoms may be attributed to other conditions at first, such as:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease: Causes pelvic pain and inflammation similar to endometriosis.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome: Triggers abdominal discomfort, bloating, and bowel changes that overlap with endometriosis-related digestive symptoms.
  • Urinary tract infections: Causes urinary urgency and pelvic pressure, which some people with endometriosis also experience.
  • Sciatica: Produces lower-back pain that can mimic nerve-related discomfort from endometriosis in the pelvis.

Difficulty getting pregnant is another symptom of asymptomatic endometriosis, and many individuals remain undiagnosed until this point. The abnormal endometrial tissue can cause inflammation, scarring, or adhesions that affect the reproductive organs. These changes don’t consistently cause noticeable pain, but they are able to interfere with fallopian tube function or implantation. This makes it challenging for the egg to travel through the fallopian tube and successfully implant in the uterus, contributing to infertility. Fertility challenges or an unexplained infertility diagnosis often prompt further evaluation, and this may lead individuals to pursue additional testing.

Understanding BCL6 Testing

BCL6 is a protein marker that’s associated with unexplained infertility and endometriosis-related inflammation; the MyReceptiva test helps detect this protein. It uses a small endometrial sample to measure the amount of BCL6 in the tissue. The test works for both symptomatic and asymptomatic forms of the condition. It’s non-surgical, and it doesn’t require anesthesia or an extensive recovery period.

Elevated protein levels suggest a higher likelihood of endometriosis-related inflammation, which may affect implantation and fertility. If an individual receives a positive BCL6 result, they have a 90% or greater chance of being diagnosed with endometriosis. A negative result suggests that there’s less than a 7% chance of endometriosis.

BCL6 testing can be suitable for many different individuals, including those with a family history of endometriosis. Since silent endometriosis has a genetic component, having a mother, aunt, or sister with the condition can increase a person’s risk. Women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss are also possible candidates.

Reviewing Next Steps

Detecting elevated BCL6 levels helps guide treatment options during fertility planning. It allows physicians to explore targeted interventions for silent endometriosis, such as surgical removal of the lesions or hormonal therapy. Complete these treatments before trying to get pregnant or using assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). This may increase the chances of successful implantation.

If an individual receives a positive MyReceptiva test, they can schedule an appointment with an endometriosis specialist. The specialist will be able to diagnose and treat the condition, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic. They may use imaging and laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis of endometriosis. They’re also able to evaluate its severity; this includes the location of lesions, the presence of any ovarian cysts, and the degree of adhesions or scarring. Completing the MyReceptiva test and then working with a specialist can help avoid undergoing an unnecessary laparoscopy.

Test for Silent Endometriosis

Silent or asymptomatic endometriosis often exists without obvious symptoms like pain, but it may still cause inflammation, scarring, and fertility issues. BCL6 testing is beneficial for preventing misdiagnosis and differentiating common symptoms caused by other conditions. It can provide answers for individuals experiencing unexplained infertility, recurrent implantation failure, or subtle reproductive issues. Learn more about the MyReceptiva test and its benefits, and order your collection kit today.