Ultrasound, MRI, surgery... The High Authority for Health specifies the process for diagnosing endometriosis

The High Authority for Health (HAS) clarified this Wednesday, June 4, the place of imaging tests - X-rays, ultrasounds, etc. - in the diagnosis of endometriosis , a pathology which affects women and often takes a long time to identify.

These recommendations aim to "help healthcare professionals in the care of women likely to have endometriosis and to make procedures uniform across the country," explains the HAS .

Endometriosis affects many women - more than 2 million of childbearing age - with varying symptoms: pelvic pain, infertility, etc. But this pathology is often poorly detected, with patients sometimes taking years to be diagnosed.

Currently, the diagnostic process involves several steps: a clinical examination, based on symptoms, followed by an imaging test, if necessary. In cases where this does not confirm endometriosis despite the presence of symptoms, surgery may be considered, but this is invasive and often uncertain. The updated recommendations of the High Authority clarify this process.

From the clinical examination, notably carried out by a general practitioner or a midwife, "in the event of symptoms and/or clinical signs, a first-line endovaginal ultrasound could be performed by a doctor trained in this practice", judges the HAS.

The next step "implemented by the referring gynecologist and a referring radiologist is based on performing a pelvic MRI +/- endovaginal ultrasound," the authority continues.

Finally, if an operation is considered, a final stage brings together several specialists and aims to "determine the stage of progression of the pathology in order to adapt the treatment - the location of the lesions, the most appropriate surgical techniques...".