The World Endometriosis Awareness Campaign marks the month of March. Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease caused by endometrial cells that, instead of being expelled during menstruation, fall into the ovaries or abdominal cavity, multiply and bleed.

The most common symptoms are menstrual cramps, which increase in intensity with the evolution of the disease, pain during sexual relations, general pain, intestinal and urinary bleeding during menstruation, and infertility. However, the diagnosis of endometriosis is only made through clinical and imaging tests.

The radiologist Lucilo Maranhão Neto, in an interview with the Brazilian site “Cuidados Pela Vida”, says that the main tests that help in confirming the disease are transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis.

The first is the most accomplished due to its greater availability; however, MRI is considered the gold standard imaging method in the evaluation of patients because it is non-invasive and allows a complete evaluation of the pelvis. “With high spatial resolution and tissue differentiation capability, without the use of ionizing radiation or iodinated contrast media,” explains Dr. Lucilo.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that interferes with a woman’s quality of life. Pay attention to the signs and look for your gynecologist in case of abnormalities during your menstrual period.

Sources: Cuidados Pela Vida and Drauzio Varella