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Diagnosis

Giving a name to what you've been feeling

The journey to a diagnosis varies from person to person. Some people experience symptoms for a while before getting treatment while others see a GP straight away. Whatever path you take, EndoZone is here to support you on your journey.

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The journey to an endometriosis (endo) diagnosis varies from person to person.

Some people are diagnosed with endometriosis because their symptoms are severe, or they have difficulty getting pregnant, or they may have surgery or a scan for another condition and endometriosis is found. Whatever path you take, EndoZone is here to support you on your journey.

Learn more about the journey to diagnosis

Try our symptom checker

Help describing your symptoms to a doctor

Tracking your symptoms can make it easier to describe your symptoms to your doctor. Try jotting down what you are experiencing and anything that may be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing (e.g. having your period or eating something different). You may like to use an app or complete our handy health report to take with you to the doctor. 

Finding a healthcare team

It's important to find a healthcare team that will work with you to manage your symptoms and lead to a diagnosis. You may need different professionals on your team like a GP, gynaecologist and pelvic physio. Finding people that you feel comfortable talking to will make all the difference on your journey.

What to do if you don't get a diagnosis

Endometriosis symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other pelvic conditions. Your pain and symptoms are real even if your doctor doesn't find endometriosis, and the strategies on EndoZone can still be useful to help you manage your symptoms.

Doctor talking to endo patient

Laparoscopy for diagnosis

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure where a thin telescope is placed into the abdomen to magnify the tissues and see even small amounts of endometriosis on the organs. It is now agreed that endometriosis can be diagnosed without laparoscopy but it is still recommended if no endometriosis was detected with ultrasound or MRI. 

Average cost:Various depending on public/private
Waiting time:Varies
Referral needed:Yes, from your GP to a specialist (will last 12 months)
Recovery time:Varies depending on extent of surgery (minimum one week)
Treatment time:30 minutes - 3+ hours depending on severity
Learn more
Gloved sonographer hand holding an ultrasound transducer

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging tool to see into the body using sound waves. It can be done through the abdominal wall (transabdominal), through the vagina (transvaginal), or through the rectum (transrectal)

Average cost:$0 (public) up to $500 (private)
Waiting time:Varies
Referral needed:GP or gynaecologist
Recovery time:Minimal to none
Treatment time:Usually 15-30 minutes
Learn more
MRI scanner

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is an important tool used in medicine to investigate a wide variety of illnesses, including endometriosis. Through the use of a very strong magnetic field and radiowaves, MRI is able to generate highly detailed images of the human body and underlying disease. It is a safe and non-invasive scan and does not involve any radiation.

Average cost:Average cost $300-500. Not currently funded by Medicare.
Waiting time:Average 1 week
Referral needed:GP or specialist
Recovery time:N/A
Treatment time:15 – 30 minute scan time
Learn more

Top self-management techniques to help through your diagnosis journey:

Heat pad being applied for endo pain

Heat treatments

Girl listening to meditation guide

Relaxation methods

Young girl sleeping and resting to reduce endo symptoms

Resting and sleep

Listening on device to pelvic floor exercises through headphones

Pelvic floor muscle relaxation

View all self-management techniques

Diagnosis stories

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Body with nervous system shown
1 month 1 week ago
Personal stories Symptoms Treatments Diagnosis Supporters

Disrupting the Rules of Pain and Learning to Love My Body

Story about chronic pain's impact on the nervous system

Woman in her living room keeled over in pain
1 month 3 weeks ago
Personal stories Symptoms Diagnosis Supporters

This Is What Chronic Pain Looks Like – And Why Endometriosis Deserves More Than a Whisper

And Why Endometriosis Deserves More Than a Whisper

Women holding hands facing the sunset
1 month 3 weeks ago
Personal stories Symptoms Diagnosis School/uni

The battle to be recognised

The fight for my endo to be recognised

Woman working into the sunshine from work
1 month 4 weeks ago
Personal stories Diagnosis Fertility Treatments

First Laparoscopy

A story about DIE (deep infiltrating endo) and how a referral to an endo specialist can make a difference

EndoZone

This project is a collaboration between EndoActive, Endometriosis Australia, Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia, QENDO, EndometriosisWA, clinicians and researchers at ACT Health, Curtin University, Flinders University, Robinson Research Institute, and The University of Adelaide. This project received grant funding from the Australian Government and Jean Hailes for Women's Health.

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