Do you have Endometriosis : A Self-Test

Endometriosis has no outward sign and no accurate diagnostic test. an accurate diagnosis occurs only when a doctor can visually observe the endometriosis during surgery or through a biopsy.

Although only your doctor can diagnose endometriosis, the following question help answer the question : Do I have endometriosis? You don't have to answer all the question with a "yes" to have endometriosis, but more than one or two "yes" answer is a good reason to make an appointment with your doctor sooner rather than later.

QUESTIONS

1. Do you have a family history of endometriosis? - No
2. Do you have painful periods? - No
3. Do you have pain during sex? - No, only dryness
4. Are you having trouble getting pregnant? - Yes
5. Did you start having periods at a younger age than the norm? - No
6. Do your periods last longer than four to five days? - Yes
7. Do your periods come more often than every four weeks? - No
8. Do you have heavier than normal menstrual periods? - No
9. Do you have allergies or autoimmune diseases such as asthma? - Yes but not asthma
10. Do you have painful urination during your period? - No
11. Do you have tummy troubles, such as diarrhea, constipation or pain during period? - Yes, constipation
12. Are you taller and thinner than average? - Yes

ANSWER
The following information provides some explanation for each question:

1. Endometriosis is more common in women whose female relatives have endometriosis.
2. Painful cramping during menstrual periods is the most common symptom of endometriosis, although many women with cramp don't have endometriosis.
3. Endometriosis in the pelvis can make sex painful.
4. 30% to 40% of infertile women have endometriosis.
5-8. Any factor that cause more menstrual bleeding over the course of your lifetime is a risk factor for endometriosis. women whose periods start at a younger age and who have longer than normal periods, heavier than normal period, or period closer than every four weeks are all more likely to develop endometriosis.
9. Women with endometriosis are also more likely to have allergies or other autoimmune diseases.
10. Endometriosis in the urinary tract can cause pain and bleeding.
11. Endometriosis in the intestines can cause pain, cramping, diarrhea, constipation or rectal bleeding during your period.
12. Women who are taller and thinner than average are more likely to have endometriosis.

This test is just a starting point. if you're concerned that you may have endometriosis, don't hesitate. Make an appointment with your gynaecologist.



Source: Endometriosis for Dummies (2007) by Dr. Joseph W. Krotec, MD & Sharon Perkin, RN