Talk to your GP if you have symptoms of endometriosis, especially if they are severe. If you delay getting help, it can make treatment less effective.
Write down your symptoms before seeing your GP.
Endometriosis can be difficult to recognise because the symptoms can vary. Many other conditions can cause similar symptoms. For this reason, your GP may want to exclude other serious conditions before making a diagnosis of suspected endometriosis
What to expect
Your GP will ask about your history of symptoms and may ask to examine your tummy and vagina. Based on your symptoms and medical history, your GP may recommend you try medication to help with your symptoms.
If these medications help to manage your symptoms, you may not need to have any other tests done.
If they do not help, your GP may refer you to a specialist called a gynaecologist for some further tests. For example, an ultrasound scan or a laparoscopy.
A laparoscopy is where a surgeon passes a thin tube through a small cut in your tummy. This lets them see any patches of endometriosis tissue and confirm that you have endometriosis.
Get information and support for endometriosis - endometriosis.ie
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
