What to Expect During Your First Visit for Endometriosis Evaluation

Because you were tired of living with unexplained pelvic pain, infertility, or other uncomfortable symptoms, you made your first appointment with the Endometriosis Treatment Center of America. Or perhaps you have yet to reach out and make your appointment before understanding what to expect. Either way, if you’ve been suffering debilitating pain or infertility, making your first appointment for an endometriosis evaluation is the best step you can take.

We understand that opening up to your doctor about endometriosis, infertility, and frustrating pain isn’t always easy. That’s why we’re here to demystify your first appointment and get you feeling ready to start your journey to a pain-free life.

Prepare Questions for Your Doctor

Because your questions are so important to us, we want to hear your concerns and address them thoroughly. So, before you arrive at your appointment, jot down any questions that you have for us so we can make sure you are fully informed. Start by asking yourself, “What are the most important things for me to understand about my symptoms and treatment?” 

Prepare to Answer Your Doctor’s Endometriosis Evaluation Questions

We want to get to the root cause of your pain and discomfort, whether it’s endometriosis or another condition. We may ask you questions such as:

• When did your pain start?
• What type of pain are you experiencing?
• How would you describe your menstrual cycles?
• What makes your symptoms better or worse?
• Does your family medical history include endometriosis?

It may be helpful to track your symptoms in a journal to bring with you for your first appointment. 

Open and Honest Personal History Intake

We care deeply about our patients and their personal experiences with painful or uncomfortable symptoms. We’ll start our appointment with a detailed patient intake that will go over your family and medical history as well as your vital signs.

We’ll also have an honest and open discussion where you can tell us all about how your symptoms affect your life. Don’t downplay or leave out any symptoms you’re experiencing, even if they seem unrelated to endometriosis. We want to know about anything that doesn’t feel right!

Physical Exams

The path to diagnosis is not the same for everyone, which is why we have several diagnostic options. During your appointment, we will identify the necessary tests and imaging needed to develop your care plan. These may include:

• Pelvic exam: Your doctor will feel for endometriosis lesions such as cysts or scars, as well as any other abnormalities in your reproductive organs.
• Ultrasound: Your doctor will look for ovarian cysts as well as other signs of endometrial lesions.
• Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests such as CA-125 to rule out certain gynecological cancers and possibly detect endometriosis.
• Hysteroscopy: Your doctor will insert a tiny lighted telescope through the vaginal canal into the uterine cavity to identify abnormalities.
• Laparoscopy: Your doctor may recommend a procedure called a laparoscopy, a keyhole surgery that allows a surgeon to examine your abdomen for endometrial tissue and take tissue samples for further testing. 

Depending on what we discover during our initial discussion, you may undergo one or more of these tests during your first appointment. 

Develop a Customized Care Plan

After testing and examination, we will develop a customized care plan with your goals and individual needs in mind. Depending on your diagnosis, we have several treatment options to consider:

• Surgical excision of endometriosis and uterine fibroids
• Botox injections for pelvic pain, overactive bladder, incontinence, and more
• Emsella pelvic floor strengthening
• Hormone treatments, including birth control
• Medications, such as anti-inflammatories

We provide not only state-of-the-art surgical interventions but also support and maintenance after your surgery, should that option be necessary. We can help you develop a lifestyle plan that fits your unique needs and helps you maintain a pain-free life—including fertility support.

We Look Forward to Seeing You!

At the Endometriosis Treatment Center of America, we want you to feel heard. We’re here to listen to all of your concerns and help you reclaim control over your life. If you have any questions about your first appointment with us, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our compassionate care team. 

Endometriosis Treatment Center of America: Endometriosis Evaluation and More!

You shouldn’t have to suffer from pelvic pain or other uncomfortable abdominal and reproductive issues. Your symptoms aren’t just in your head—we’re here to help you find answers and relief. If you have yet to make your first appointment with us, request one today through our website or by calling our Lake Orion or Birmingham, MI offices.