Endometriosis Diagnosis and Treatment

Video Transcript

If you have endometriosis, you may have questions. While surgery may be the most effective way to relieve symptoms of endometriosis, it's not the right choice for everyone. It's often difficult to know how to treat your endometriosis. Endometriosis specialist Dr. Laura Douglas shares three questions for you to think about. First, where is your endometriosis located? If your lesions are widespread or deeply embedded, removing them may help relieve your symptoms. Next, are your symptoms getting better with treatment? Non-surgical treatments such as medication and hormone therapy are sometimes effective for relieving pain, heavy bleeding, and other symptoms, but if these methods haven't relieved your suffering, it may be worth considering your options for surgery. Finally, what are your plans for pregnancy? Endometriosis can interfere with your ability to become pregnant, especially if lesions grow on or around your ovaries. If you're trying to conceive or hope to someday, Laparoscopic Surgery or Laparatomy may make it possible to leave your uterus intact and improve your chances for pregnancy in the future. Think about your symptoms and what's most important to you, and then connect with an expert who can help create a personalized treatment plan for you. To learn more, meet our team and schedule an appointment, visit UChicagoMedicine .org/Endometriosis.

At the University of Chicago Medicine, you’ll receive the gold standard in endometriosis care.

With several locations in the city and the suburbs, we make expert care available to you throughout Chicagoland.

Schedule your appointment today

Diagnosing Endometriosis

Pelvic Imaging and Evaluation

Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound
Augmented pelvic ultrasound (APU), real-time diagnostic ultrasound for endometriosis
Pelvic and abdominal MRI

Augmented Pelvic Ultrasound (APU) for Endometriosis

What is augmented pelvic ultrasound?

Augmented pelvic ultrasound (APU) is an advanced type of transvaginal ultrasound. Our experts use APU to help detect deep, superficial and ovarian endometriosis and scar tissue in the pelvis. These conditions can often be missed when using standard imaging.

With APU, our experienced team uses gentle dynamic movements to check how your organs move and find signs of endometriosis. APU is a minimally invasive, cost-effective alternative to MRI used for quick, accurate diagnosis.

Key Benefits

Earlier and more accurate detection of complex disease
Personalized treatment recommendations
Guided surgical planning

Who should consider APU?

You may benefit from APU if you experience:

Chronic pelvic pain
Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
Infertility
Unexplained bladder/bowel symptoms

What to Expect

20- to 25-minute scan, with dynamic maneuvers adding only a few minutes
No special preparation or fasting
Safe, comfortable and radiation-free

Who interprets my results at UChicago Medicine?

At UChicago Medicine, your pelvic imaging will be reviewed by one of our physicians who specializes in diagnosing endometriosis. These targeted images help enhance the accuracy of a diagnosis, including the detection of endometrial cysts on the ovary (endometriomas).

Ready to get answers?

Whether you’re in Hyde Park, Downtown Chicago, or the northern, western or southern suburbs, there’s a UChicago Medicine endometriosis specialist near you.

Schedule your appointment today

Endometriosis Treatment Options in the Greater Chicago Area

Managing endometriosis is a highly individualized process. Our experts customize your treatment plan to relieve your most troubling symptoms. We work with you to support your goals for your health and fertility.

At UChicago Medicine, we serve patients from across Chicagoland. Our endometriosis care team brings together specialists in gynecology, minimally invasive surgery, fertility and pain management to deliver the most advanced, patient-centered treatments in the region.

Why choose UChicago Medicine for endometriosis treatment?

Chicago’s top gynecologists, surgeons, and reproductive endocrinologists collaborate to develop your personalized plan.
We base your treatment on your symptoms, fertility goals, and lifestyle.
Our Chicagoland locations make expert care accessible, whether you’re from the city, the suburbs or elsewhere in the Midwest.

Pain Management: From Pain Relief to Advanced Care for Chronic Pain

For mild or moderate endometriosis pain, over-the-counter medications — such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen — may offer initial relief. When pain becomes severe or constant, our UChicago Medicine pain management team provides a holistic approach, including:

Pain medicine specialists and physical therapists using proven, specialized strategies
Behavioral support and integrative treatments through our Pain Medicine Clinic

If chronic pain prevents you from living fully, we’ll find solutions that fit your needs.

Hormone Therapy: Suppress Symptoms and Support Your Health Goals

Hormone therapy remains one of the most effective strategies to manage menstrual pain and help reduce endometrial growths.

Treatments include:

Combination estrogen-progesterone (oral contraceptives, patches)
Progestin-only therapies (oral, injection, or intrauterine device)
Advanced medications to further suppress estrogen in severe cases

At UChicago Medicine, our endometriosis specialists work with you to choose the best approach for you, considering your family building goals and long-term health.

Minimally Invasive Surgery: Precision Treatment for Lasting Relief

We may recommend surgery when:

Symptoms continue even with medication or hormone therapy
Your lesions are deep or widespread
You have ovarian implants, which can make it difficult to get pregnant

Our surgeons are among the best in Chicagoland. We specialize in laparoscopic and robotic surgery to remove or destroy endometrial implants with less pain and shorter recovery. In some cases, we may advise hysterectomy. In most cases, this means making tiny incisions to remove the uterus and possibly ovaries. Even if a traditional hysterectomy (using larger incisions) is the best option, your safety and recovery are always our top priorities.

Ready to reclaim your life from endometriosis?

Whether you’re in Hyde Park, Downtown Chicago, or the northern, western or southern suburbs, there’s a UChicago Medicine endometriosis specialist near you.

Schedule your appointment today