Diagnosis
What tests should I request at my first endometriosis visit?
The short answer
At a first endometriosis visit, we typically prioritize targeted pelvic imaging, often ultrasound and/or MRI, rather than a long list of labs. Bring prior surgery, pathology and imaging records. Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend evaluation for other causes of pain.
At a first endometriosis-focused visit, the most helpful tests are often the right records and imaging, not a long list of random labs. If you’ve had prior surgeries or ER visits, bring operative notes, pathology results, and any prior imaging reports (and the actual images if you can). This lets us see what was done, what was confirmed in tissue, and what may have been missed or mislabeled.
From there, we typically prioritize targeted pelvic imaging interpreted with endometriosis in mind (often ultrasound and/or MRI). We look for adenomyosis, ovarian endometriomas, and signs of deep disease, while staying alert to less common but important concerns like pelvic masses. Depending on your symptom pattern, we may recommend additional evaluation for conditions that can mimic or amplify endometriosis symptoms, such as pelvic floor dysfunction, bowel-related contributors, vascular causes of pelvic pain, or endocrine/immune overlap. This helps us base the plan on the real drivers of your pain, not guesswork. If you want, reach out to our team and we’ll help you understand what to gather for a first visit and which tests are most worth prioritizing for your specific symptoms and history.
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Prepare for Your First Visit
Bring all prior records and imaging to ensure a thorough review. Our specialists use focused tests to accurately diagnose and guide your treatment.
Questions people ask next
All diagnosis questionsWhat records should I bring to an endometriosis consult?
Bring prior pelvic or abdominal surgery reports, pathology reports, imaging reports, and actual imaging files if available. Include a brief timeline of symptoms, treatments and their effects, prior diagnoses, and fertility history if relevant.
How accurate is ultrasound for detecting endometriosis?
Ultrasound is very good at finding ovarian endometriosis cysts and can detect many cases of deep endometriosis when performed by someone with endometriosis imaging expertise. It rarely shows superficial endometriosis, so a normal scan does not rule out the condition.
When is pelvic MRI recommended for suspected endometriosis?
Pelvic MRI is most helpful when deep endometriosis is suspected and is commonly used when a high-quality ultrasound doesn’t fully explain symptoms. It can help plan surgery and may be considered if symptoms persist despite treatment and results could change next steps.
Is there a reliable blood test for endometriosis?
No, there is currently no FDA-cleared blood test that can reliably diagnose or rule out endometriosis. Tests such as CA-125 and newer panels can be affected by the menstrual cycle and other conditions, so they are not specific enough to confirm it on their own.
Further reading
Can Scans and Tests Find Endometriosis? Know the Limits
Discover why ultrasounds may miss endometriosis. Learn about imaging limits and recent research in our latest blog. Find clarity in your diagnosis.
Endometriosis Biopsy: A Definitive Method for Diagnosis
Learn when a biopsy is essential for confirming endometriosis or adenomyosis. Explore symptoms, research findings, and options beyond surgery.
Do My Symptoms Mean Adenomyosis or Endometriosis?
Discover the truth about endometriosis and adenomyosis symptoms. Understand how common they really are, and gain insights for effective advocacy.
