How is endometriosis diagnosed—do I need surgery?

Diagnosis starts with symptoms and pelvic exam, supported by high‑quality transvaginal ultrasound and pelvic MRI that can detect deep disease and ovarian endometriomas. Laparoscopy with pathology remains the gold standard and enables treatment, but many people begin evidence‑based medical management without surgery; see Diagnostics & Imaging, Ultrasound, and MRI.

Can endometriosis be cured, or is remission the goal?

There is no proven permanent cure. Excision surgery can remove visible disease and improve pain and fertility, while hormonal therapies suppress activity and reduce symptoms; long‑term remission often requires ongoing, individualized care and follow‑up.

Does endometriosis always progress or get worse over time?

Progression is variable—some lesions stay stable for years, while others advance, particularly deep infiltrating disease. Regular reassessment guided by symptoms and selective imaging helps detect change, and timely treatment may reduce complications; learn more in Stages & Progression.

How does endometriosis affect fertility, and when should I seek help?

Endometriosis can impair egg quality, tubal transport, and implantation, increasing time to pregnancy and miscarriage risk for some. Seek fertility evaluation after 6–12 months of trying (earlier if over 35 or with severe symptoms); options include optimizing medical care, targeted excision, and assisted reproduction such as IVF; see Fertility & Reproductive Health, Infertility, and IVF & ART.

How is endometriosis different from adenomyosis?

Endometriosis involves endometrium‑like tissue outside the uterus, whereas adenomyosis occurs within the uterine muscle and often causes heavy, crampy periods and an enlarged, tender uterus. They frequently coexist and can amplify pain and fertility challenges; imaging patterns and uterine‑focused therapies guide adenomyosis care; see Adenomyosis.

Endometriosis Posts

Posts / Endometriosis / Page 5

Bladder Endometriosis Bowel Endometriosis Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Diaphragmatic Endometriosis Endometriomas Menopause & Hormonal Transitions Stages & Progression Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome (TES)

Diagram of diaphragmatic endometriosis showing a dark lesion on the diaphragm above the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, with arrows highlighting affected areas relevant to symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Diaphragmatic Endometriosis: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Learn what diaphragmatic endometriosis is, how it affects the diaphragm, key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, treatments, and potential complications.

4 minute read

Side-by-side medical illustration labeled Endometriosis and Adenomyosis comparing uteri, with scattered lesions outside the uterus versus diffuse lesions within the uterine wall, plus pelvic cross-sections.

Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: How They Drive Pelvic Pain

Compare endometriosis and adenomyosis: similarities, differences in location and prevalence, diagnosis methods, and treatment options for pelvic pain.

4 minute read

A postmenopausal woman clutching her lower abdomen in pain from endometriosis .

Managing Endometriosis Symptoms After Menopause

Understand postmenopausal endometriosis: why it can persist, symptom management, HRT and phytoestrogen safety, and when surgery is appropriate.

8 minute read

A woman sitting in a garden meditating to reduce stress and pain associated with endometriosis

Integrative Treatment Options for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis

A whole-person approach to reducing endometriosis and adenomyosis symptoms, supporting healing, and improving quality of life.

14 minute read

An infographic showing a woman holding her abdomen clearly in pain from endometriosis, with various medical oriented items around her in the background.

What Causes Endometriosis? Current Theories & Evidence

Learn what causes endometriosis, how it grows, diagnosis options, current treatments, and holistic strategies to reduce symptoms and recurrence.

22 minute read

Have a question?

Dr. Steven Vasilev delivers best-in-class endometriosis guidance and a personalized treatment plan—built on evidence and your unique biology.

Led by Steven Vasilev, MD—an internationally recognized endometriosis specialist & MIGS surgeon—Lotus Endometriosis Institute is virtual-forward, with many patients traveling nationally for care. Clinical evaluation and surgical treatment are provided in California.

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