What To Expect During an Endometriosis Test

ByBela Angress

Tissue resembling endometrial tissue can grow outside of the uterus, blocking the fallopian tubes and growing on the ovaries, intestines, and other organs in the abdomen. This condition is known as endometriosis, and it is able to cause infertility. The MyReceptiva test uses protein markers to test for the likelihood of endometriosis. Here is more information about what to expect during an endometriosis test:

Physical Examination

Endometriosis impacts over 176 million women. Physical symptoms of endometriosis include pain during sex, back or pelvic pain, irregular periods, and bowel pain. Silent endometriosis often presents with milder symptoms and can be more challenging to detect. As part of the evaluation process, a healthcare physician may review your:  

  • Symptoms
  • Levels of pain
  • Family history
  • Menstrual cycles  

These factors allow the doctor to identify risk factors and detect patterns associated with endometriosis. By conducting a pelvic exam, the doctor is able to check for tenderness or masses in the area. These help indicate the presence of endometriosis.

Ovulation Test

A test for endometriosis is performed via an endometrial biopsy. For best results, this requires taking a sample between seven and 10 days after ovulation. There is a four-day window after this period where the biopsy can be performed. This allows the test to maintain its specificity. If you have recently been taking birth control medications, wait one menstrual cycle before a biopsy to prevent a false negative result. 

Our test includes an ovulation test kit. Using this kit allows you to time the biopsy correctly. If ovulation is detected on Monday, the biopsy window is the following Monday through Thursday. After detecting ovulation, you can call your healthcare provider to schedule the test.

Sample Collection

A trained women’s healthcare specialist, such as an OB-GYN, can perform an endometriosis test during a standard visit. Bring your collection kit to the appointment. During the biopsy, a catheter tubing about the length of a spaghetti noodle is inserted into the vaginal canal until it reaches the uterus and the uterine lining. The tubing collects cells from the uterine lining, which are placed into a vial with 10% formalin to stabilize the sample. If the sample is floating, the provider repeats the collection process. Sample collection is quick and safe, allowing you to return to your regular activities after a brief rest of 15 to 20 minutes.

Lab Testing

The provider labels the sample with your name and another unique identifier and sends it to the laboratory via overnight shipping. At the laboratory, technicians test the sample for the presence of the BCL6 marker. This marker is associated with uterine inflammation, a condition commonly found in endometriosis. The appearance of BCL6 offers a 90% chance of endometriosis, while its absence presents a less than 7% chance.

Test Results

Results are available between seven and 10 days, and they are reported as either positive or negative. MyReceptiva provides a comprehensive pathology report, including the interpretation of markers and pathology analysis, to help rule out potential infections or atypical cells. A sample report is available for download on our website to allow you to see what your report will look like. 

While the results are not diagnostic, they are able to help you and your fertility specialist to make appropriate treatment decisions. Endometriosis can be confirmed through a surgical procedure known as a laparoscopy. A laparoscopy is able to remove endometrial growth. Receiving a positive result via an endometriosis test can help you choose whether to proceed with the surgery.

Hormone suppression treatment is another option for managing endometriosis, helping to reduce inflammation and tissue growth, which can improve fertility. Oral contraceptives and gonadotropin-releasing agents are other possible hormone treatments you can try. Undergoing treatment before an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle helps increase the chances of success. Positive lifestyle changes, such as light exercise and a nutritious diet, are also able to help you manage endometriosis symptoms.

Schedule an Endometriosis Test Today

We provide a downloadable brochure that you can present to your healthcare provider when discussing the test. A free 20-minute phone consultation is also available. During the consultation, you have the opportunity to ask a team member questions about the test, preparing for the test, and scheduling an appointment. To learn more about the MyReceptiva endometriosis test, schedule a phone consultation through our online form today.