Patient's question:
How can one determine if their breasts are problem-free? What is the acceptable range for asymmetry in breast size? Also, is it possible for unmarried women to develop endometriosis? What symptoms would they experience? Can it be self-diagnosed?Detailed medical history and consultation purpose: To understand one's health status
Doctor's answer:
Hello, if there is no pain or swelling, it is generally not a problem. Unmarried women can also suffer from endometriosis.Due to the different locations of endometriosis, the symptoms vary greatly. Some patients may be asymptomatic, while common symptoms include:
(1) Dysmenorrhea: The characteristics of dysmenorrhea are secondary and progressively worsening. Patients may not experience dysmenorrhea in the first few years after menarche, but after that, such as after the age of 20, they may start experiencing menstrual cramps that gradually worsen. The pain is often located in the lower abdomen and lower back, usually starting 1–2 days before menstruation and gradually subsiding or disappearing after the menstrual period ends along with the bleeding of the ectopic endometrium. However, some patients may not experience dysmenorrhea. When the lesions invade the vagina, rectovaginal septum, or uterosacral ligaments, there may be pain during intercourse or a feeling of rectal pressure during defecation, which worsens during menstruation.
(2) Menstrual disorders: Irregular menstruation or an increase in menstrual flow is also a common symptom.
(3) Infertility: Although the fallopian tubes are patent in patients with endometriosis, factors such as pelvic adhesions, retroverted uterus, ovary dysfunction, and pain during intercourse can all affect fertility. Additionally, endometriosis in abdominal scars may significantly enlarge during menstruation, causing cyclical local pain, and some patients may experience low-grade fever.
Methods for diagnosing endometriosis:
1. B-mode ultrasound examination, which helps understand the size of ovarian endometriosis and occasionally detects masses that cannot be palpated during pelvic examination.
2. Laparoscopic examination, which allows direct visualization of the affected areas, the extent and severity of the lesions, and is currently the most accurate diagnostic method for endometriosis.