How to push for an endo diagnosis – the all points guide

Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women, yet diagnosis can take years. Every month in the US, over 700 people search for ‘how to get diagnosed with endometriosis,’ with many more looking for answers to related questions – highlighting the growing urgency around this condition.

If you’re struggling with unexplained pain, heavy periods, or infertility but feel stuck in the medical system, this guide will help you break the deadlock and push for a diagnosis.

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and this year, we’re kicking off with all-things diagnosis. In collaboration with MyReceptiva™, the only test that can detect endometriosis and provide answers for unexplained pain and infertility, we’ve created this action-driven guide to help you move forward, find answers and advocate, wherever you are in the process.

Step 1: Know the signs of endometriosis

Doctors may dismiss symptoms as “just bad periods,” but endometriosis is a chronic condition that requires proper investigation. Common signs include:

• Severe menstrual cramps that don’t improve with pain relief
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Pain during or after sex
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Pain with bowel movements or urination
• Infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss

Read more: Endometriosis vs. Normal Period Pain

Step 2: Arm yourself with knowledge

Whether you’re facing an outdated diagnostic approach or feel like your provider isn’t really listening, understanding your options can help you take charge of your health and advocate for the right tests and specialist support:

• Pelvic exam & ultrasound: These can rule out other conditions but do not confirm endometriosis.
• MRI & CT scan: While useful for detecting large endometriotic cysts (endometriomas), these tests often miss smaller instances of endometriosis.
• MyReceptiva™ test: The only test that detects BCL6, a biomarker linked to endometriosis, especially in women struggling with infertility. It is a groundbreaking tool that can help diagnose silent, asymptomatic, or hard-to-detect endometriosis without the need for invasive surgery. Learn more here.
• Laparoscopy: A common surgery that many doctors use for diagnosis.

Step 3: Find the right doctor

Many women report their doctors dismissing their pain and symptoms. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to find a specialist.

My doctor won’t listen to me – what should I say?

We’ve been there! Here are a few points to clear the blockers:

• “I have multiple symptoms of endometriosis, and I’d like to be evaluated by a specialist.”
• “I’m experiencing unexplained pain and want to rule out endometriosis. I’d like to take the MyReceptiva™ test – how can we go about this?”
• “Can you refer me to a specialist?”

Find an endometriosis specialist near you: Search here

Step 4: Get tested for endometriosis

If you have unexplained pain, infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss, consider the MyReceptiva™ test. It detects BCL6, a marker linked to inflammation caused by endometriosis.

This simple test, using an endometrial biopsy, can identify cases that might otherwise go undiagnosed, making it an invaluable tool in finding the root cause of hard-to-diagnose endometriosis.

Step 5: Push for diagnosis & treatment

If your doctor downplays your symptoms or refuses testing, don’t give up. Here’s how to push forward:

Being dismissed?

Action these next steps to keep working towards expert support and diagnosis:

• Seek a second opinion: Unfortunately, many practitioners lack up-to-the-minute training and awareness in the field of endometriosis.
• Request referrals: An endometriosis specialist can help, as well as experts experienced in performing biopsies (and post-biopsy consultation) – find one here.
• Track your symptoms: Use a pain diary or app to document symptoms and their impact.
• Bring research: Read a study that seemed super-relevant? Interested in a test or treatment option and want to chat it through? Bring your research along to every appointment. If it’s being dismissed, it might be time to seek a second opinion, and book that endo specialist. 

What about imaging?

Understanding how common imaging tests relate to endometriosis can help set expectations, and clarify your planning:

• Will a CT scan show endometriosis? Rarely. It’s not a failsafe diagnostic tool.
• Can endometriosis be diagnosed by MRI? Sometimes. MRI can detect deep infiltrating endometriosis but it can miss smaller instances.
• Does a Pap smear show endometriosis? No. A Pap smear screens for cervical cancer, not endometriosis.

Step 6: Consider your treatment options

Once diagnosed, your next steps depend on your goals. From pain management to fertility, heavy bleeding and beyond. 

• Hormonal therapy: Birth control, GnRH agonists, or progestins can manage symptoms but do not remove endometriosis.
• Surgical removal: The most effective option for removing endometriotic lesions and offering long-term relief.
• Fertility treatment: If trying to conceive, endometriosis surgery or BCL6 testing may guide next steps.

Final thoughts – you deserve answers

If you’re stuck in the diagnosis cycle, remember: endometriosis is real, affects around 10 per cent of women, and you deserve answers.

Find an endometriosis expert today, and order the MyReceptiva™ test kit with $85 off using code: TRB. You can then take it straight to your specialist.

Take these steps to advocate for yourself, find a specialist, and get the care you need.