Published on: 7/4/2025
Last Update: 7/9/2025
How effective is an ultrasound in diagnosing endometriosis?
Ultrasound can help diagnose some types of endometriosis, but it might not find all cases.
Explanation
Ultrasound is a tool doctors use to look inside the body. It can help find endometriosis, which is when tissue like the lining of the uterus grows outside it. Ultrasound works well for some types of endometriosis, like when it grows on the ovaries or forms large cysts. However, it may not see smaller areas of endometriosis or those in tricky spots.
Strengths of Ultrasound:
Good at finding large cysts or growths on the ovaries.
Non-invasive and safe.
Limitations of Ultrasound:
Might miss smaller or hidden areas of endometriosis.
Not the best for diagnosing all cases.
Doctors may use ultrasound along with other tests to get a better look at what's going on. This helps them decide the best way to help someone with endometriosis.
(References)
- Chen-Dixon K, Uzuner C, Mak J, & Condous G. (2022). Effectiveness of ultrasound for endometriosis diagnosis. Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology, 36036477.
- Young SW, Jha P, Chamié L, Rodgers S, Kho RM, Horrow MM, et al. (2024). Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Consensus on .... Radiology, 38591980.
- Goncalves MO, Siufi Neto J, Andres MP, Siufi D, de Mattos LA, & Abrao MS. (2021). Systematic evaluation of endometriosis by transvaginal .... Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 33864088.
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