Endometriosis can have many symptoms, from pain to heavy menstrual bleeding; but some patients are asymptomatic. Silent endometriosis occurs when you have the condition of endometriosis but don’t manifest the known or most common symptoms. Asymptomatic women may never realize they have endometriosis until they’re faced with unexplained infertility. At ReceptivaDx, we specialize in diagnosing all stages of endometriosis. Our BCL6 test can help you determine if you have silent endometriosis.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition that can be linked to unexplained fertility in women of childbearing age. The condition occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. Such abnormal growths can affect your menstrual cycle and block the path of eggs, preventing conception.
Endometrial tissue usually grows inside the uterus every month in preparation for fertilization and implantation of an egg. If fertilization doesn’t occur, the uterus usually sheds the endometrial tissue during menstruation. With endometriosis, the endometrial tissue outside of the uterus can grow normally and shed during menstruation but may not have proper drainage channels. Trapped endometrial tissues can block eggs from traveling down the fallopian tube, which is required for fertilization.
Here are some of the prevalent symptoms of endometriosis:
- Pain Areas & Experiences: Endometriosis can cause pain in many areas, including the lower abdomen, lower back, pelvis, vagina, and rectum. You may also experience painful urination and bowel movements. Some women report pain during intercourse.
- Menstrual Irregularities: Endometriosis can cause intense menstrual cramps and excessive bleeding. You may also experience abnormal menstruation, heavy menstruation, irregular periods, pain, and spotting.
- Other Symptoms: Pain and menstrual irregularities are some of the most common symptoms. Women with endometriosis may also suffer diarrhea, constipation, nausea, abdominal fullness, cramping, and unexplained infertility.
What Is Silent Endometriosis?
The term “silent endometriosis” is used because typical endometriosis tends can seem to “shout” the symptoms. Endometriosis can cause severe pain and menstrual irregularities. Silent means the condition is present, but the patient is asymptomatic, has different symptoms than expected, or a milder form of symptoms. Many women can live for years without knowing they have endometriosis. At ReceptivaDx, we focus on diagnosing asymptomatic endometriosis.
Silent endometriosis often comes up when couples are looking to start or expand their family and experience difficulty conceiving. Endometriosis can cause infertility in women. If you don’t show any symptoms, unexplained infertility may be your only suggestion for the condition. Endometriosis can get worse If left untreated, so seek early treatment. About 20-25% of women with endometriosis are asymptomatic, don’t wait for unexplained infertility to seek a diagnosis.
How Do I Diagnose Endometriosis?
Diagnosing asymptomatic endometriosis can be daunting without our endometriosis test. Fertility doctors can use various assessments to diagnose the condition. Some tests include pelvic examinations, ultrasounds, MRIs, and laparoscopies. Women with unexplained infertility can use assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). The problem is such treatments may not work if you have endometriosis. Treating endometriosis can increase your chances of natural conception and can improve the chances of a successful IVF cycle.
How Does ReceptivaDx Help?
The ReceptivaDx test can save you time and money. Instead of rushing into infertility treatment, we help you assess the likelihood of endometriosis. Our ReceptivaDx test tests for BCL6 levels, which have been linked to endometriosis. The test examines the level of BCL6, which may indicate the presence of an inflammatory condition. BCL6 refers to B-cell CLL or lymphoma 6, a protein encoded by the BCL6 gene. Elevated levels of this protein can be a marker for endometriosis. Our BCL6 test is performed as an endometrial biopsy to determine if you have inflammatory endometriosis.
If the test results are positive, you may need additional confirmation through diagnostic measures, such as an ultrasound, MRI, or laparoscopy to confirm the suspicion. Confirmation of endometriosis can help you decide on the best treatment options for you.
Can I Treat Endometriosis?
Endometriosis can be treated. Your doctor may recommend medication or surgery depending on the severity of the condition. Hysterectomy can be another treatment option. Not all cases of endometriosis need surgical removal of the uterus.
Apart from surgery and medications, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy and fertility treatment. Mild cases may respond to medication. Fertility treatment may also suppress the endometrial tissues and help you get pregnant. Your doctor can help you determine the best treatment path based on your needs, symptoms, and medical history.
Get Your Endometriosis Diagnosis Done Today
Silent endometriosis can compromise your chances of a natural pregnancy or successful IVF transfer. If you can’t get pregnant despite having unprotected intercourse, our ReceptivaDx test may help shed some light. The test can help you determine if endometrial tissue inflammation is the underlying cause of your infertility. Our team can help you understand the results and your treatment options.