Can Endometriosis be detected via an ultrasound?

[BRYAS]

Can an ultrasound pick up Endometriosis?

[Moon_maiden]

I was told no, MRI if deep, but not superficial.

[Christin_a]

It can, but it's highly dependent on the person reading the images. But as a general rule a clear ultrasound does not mean it's not endo.

[BRYAS in reply to Christin_a]

Okay thank you! I have been having on and off pelvic pain for pelvic pain for a couple years, no other endo symptoms and on an ultrasound the gyno said I had a function cyst and I had nothing to worry about. When I mentioned endo she said I didn’t have it but I can’t help but doubt.

I am going back in a couple of weeks so will try a second opinion

[Christin_a in reply to BRYAS]

So generally the only way to get a confirmed diagnosis is to have surgery for them to look inside. Imaging isn't a good way to confirm diagnosis or can pick it up but any imaging lack of evidence is not proof that it isn't endo.

[Whoisthis in reply to Christin_a]

Sorry hope it’s ok to post this link - Some scans can, bit only under expert guidance and with the right person looking at results. ultragyn.co.uk

I don’t work here BTW!

[Daisychain222]

In my experience, no! I had severe endo and had multiple surgeries. None of my ultrasounds should anything.

[45Bumbleb]

An ultrasound doesn’t show Endometriosis. I had one which showed fibroids and cysts but it’s wasn’t until I was in surgery for a total abdominal Hysterectomy did they find Endometriosis on my bladder, bowel, appendix and reproductive system. Should I have not had the cysts which were the urgency and one of the reasons for my hysterectomy - I probably would have had a MRI which reveals more detail . X

[JuliaJambo]

Hello,

It depends a lot of how and where is your endometriosis.

I discovered mine during a trans vaginal ultrasound because I have a big endometriosis cyst in one ovary.

However I could only see the extent of the endometriosis after a Doppler ultrasound ( not used in the UK) or the MRI, which in my opinion is the best non invasive exam.

[griffij9]

I had an internal ultrasound and it showed up on mine but only on my ovary but I also have it on my ureter and rectalvaginal endometriosis.

[LRNHA]

Yes, it can. But the clear ultrasound result does not mean a negative diagnosis. I was diagnosed through ultrasound, after years of clear MRIs and other ultrasound exams. The one I was diagnosed by was specific for the search of endometriosis, done by a specialist in the disease, meaning this is all he studies and works with. That particular exam was not covered by my insurance and cost me a looooot, so I don't know how this would work out for you.

In short, yes, it's possible, but very difficult.