A Practical Guide to the Clinical Evaluation of Endometriosis-Associated Pelvic Pain
Smitha Vilasagar1, Olga Bougie2, Sukhbir Sony Singh3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina (Dr. Vilasagar).
Abstract:
Endometriosis-associated pain (EAP) has a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected and their families. Recognizing that endometriosis is a chronic condition associated with an impairment in function and negative social impact, there is a shift toward reducing diagnostic delays and initiating timely management. This article provides a comprehensive and practical approach to the clinical diagnosis of EAP, which can subsequently facilitate prompt and directed treatment. The key components of the history, physical examination, and high-quality imaging to evaluate suspected EAP and related pain conditions are presented. Currently, biomarkers have limited utility in the diagnosis of endometriosis, but research in this area continues; development of a reliable noninvasive test for endometriosis may further improve early identification of this condition.
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