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Endometriosis can be self-examined by observing symptoms, recording pelvic pain patterns, gynecological examinations, imaging examinations, and laparoscopy. Endometriosis is usually caused by factors such as reflux of menstrual blood, body cavity metaplasia, and immune abnormalities. It often presents with symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility.

1. Observe symptoms

Patients with endometriosis may experience progressively worsening dysmenorrhea. The pain is usually located in the lower abdomen or lumbosacral region, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Chronic pelvic pain can also occur during non-menstrual periods, and some patients experience deep pain during sexual intercourse. Menstrual abnormalities such as heavy or prolonged periods may also indicate the disease. It is necessary to record the time and degree of pain onset and its correlation with the menstrual cycle on a daily basis.

2. Recording of pain patterns

Keeping a pain diary can help identify characteristics of the condition. The specific location of the pain, its duration, intensity grade, and whether it was related to defecation, urination, or sexual activity were recorded daily. Periodic pain that begins 1-2 days before menstruation and continues until the end of menstruation is highly suggestive of endometriosis. The pain score uses a 0-10 point scale. Sustained moderate to severe pain requires prompt medical treatment.

3. Gynecological examination

Bimanual examination may reveal a fixed retroverted uterus, a tender pelvic nodule, or an adnexal mass. Typical signs include thickened sacral ligaments or palpable painful nodules, and purplish-blue nodules may be palpable in the posterior vaginal fornix. The examination should be performed during non-menstrual periods, as pelvic congestion during menstruation may affect the judgment. During the examination, you need to cooperate with the doctor's instructions to relax the abdominal muscles to improve accuracy.

4. Imaging examination

Transvaginal ultrasound can detect ovarian endometriosis cysts, which appear as dense punctate echoes within the cyst. Magnetic resonance imaging has higher diagnostic value for deep infiltrating endometriosis and can clearly show the adhesion relationship between the lesions and the rectum and bladder. The bladder needs to be emptied before imaging examination, and it is recommended to choose the examination time on the 5th to 10th day of the menstrual cycle to obtain a clearer image.

5. Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis and can directly observe blue-brown or red flame-like lesions in the pelvic cavity. Lesions can be resected or adhesions decomposed at the same time during the operation, which has both diagnostic and therapeutic value. The examination requires general anesthesia, and you need to fast for 8 hours before the operation. Radiating pain in the shoulder may occur after the operation, which usually resolves on its own in 2-3 days.

Daily moderate exercise, such as yoga or walking, should be maintained to help improve pelvic blood circulation. Increase foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, such as deep-sea fish and flax seeds, and reduce the intake of red meat and high-fat dairy products. Avoid overexertion and mental stress, and avoid strenuous exercise during menstruation. It is recommended to use a heating pad to relieve pelvic pain, conduct regular gynecological examinations every year, and seek medical advice as soon as possible for a clear diagnosis when suspected symptoms occur.