Endometriosis
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and can cause pain, bleeding problems, or fertility issues.
When to get help quickly: It is not usually an emergency, but urgent review is more important if pain becomes severe and sudden, vomiting occurs, or there is concern about a ruptured or twisted ovarian cyst.
Common symptoms
Common symptoms include painful periods, pelvic pain, pain during sex, bowel or bladder discomfort during periods, heavy bleeding, and sometimes difficulty getting pregnant.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when doctors are looking for ovarian endometriomas, deep pelvic disease, or other pelvic causes of pain, although some endometriosis can still be difficult to see on scans.
What radiology does
Ultrasound and MRI may help show ovarian endometriomas or deep pelvic disease, though some endometriosis can still be hard to see on imaging.
What usually happens next
Care may include pain treatment, hormone-based therapy, fertility support, or surgery depending on symptoms and goals.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- Pelvic UltrasoundA Pelvic Ultrasound looks at the organs in your lower abdomen, including the uterus, ovaries, bladder, and prostate. It bounces sound waves off your internal organs to create clear pictures of the soft tissues in your pelvis.
- Transvaginal UltrasoundA Transvaginal Ultrasound is an internal pelvic scan that provides a remarkably clear, close-up look at the female reproductive organs.
- Pelvis MRIA Pelvis MRI is an advanced imaging test focused on the structures in your lower abdomen, specifically your reproductive organs, bladder, and rectum.