Endometriosis Ultrasound

An endometriosis ultrasound is a specialized, detailed imaging examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to look for signs of endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It’s more in-depth than a routine gynaecological/pelvic ultrasound and helps diagnose and evaluate the severity of the condition by checking for cysts, assessing scar tissue, and evaluating the mobility of pelvic organs. A specialist sonographer often performs this scan, which can involve both transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds.

What the scan involves

  • Preparation: For an abdominal ultrasound, you may be asked to drink water to fill your bladder, which helps to provide a clearer view of the organs.
  • Transvaginal approach: In some cases, a transvaginal ultrasound will also be performed. A smaller transducer is inserted into the vagina to get a more detailed view of the uterus and ovaries. The sonographer will use a probe to create images, applying pressure to assess organ mobility.
  • They will look for endometriomas (cysts on the ovaries), assess the uterus for adenomyosis, and check other organs like the bowel and bladder for nodules.

Why it's more detailed than a gynaecological scan

  • This specialized scan is performed by sonographers with specific expertise in endometriosis.
  • It often combines transabdominal and transvaginal approaches for a more comprehensive view.
  • It is designed to detect the subtle signs of endometriosis, including changes in organ movement and the presence of deep nodules, which a standard ultrasound might miss. 
  • It should be noted that, while not all types of endometriosis are visible on ultrasound, this examination is a valuable, non-invasive tool to help diagnose and manage the condition.