Endometriosis

Endometriosis diagnostics in Split - treatment plan and support for pain and fertility 

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) appears outside the uterus and may cause severe menstrual pain, pelvic pain, painful intercourse and difficulty conceiving. Symptoms differ from woman to woman - some have severe pain, others almost none, and they may still have endometriosis. At Polyclinic Cito we perform a structured workup: a detailed conversation, gynecological examination, ultrasound assessment and, when needed, a plan for further diagnostics and treatment.

Page Overview

What is endometriosis?

It is a chronic inflammatory condition in which deposits of tissue similar to the endometrium are found outside the uterus (most often in the pelvis). These deposits can respond to hormonal changes during the cycle, promoting inflammation and the formation of adhesions, which can manifest as pain, problems with urination/bowel movements during the cycle, or fertility problems. It is important to know: the severity of symptoms does not always correspond to the extent of the disease - which is why a targeted and expert assessment matters.

Note: Endometriosis is not “diagnosed from a single test”. The key is a combination of symptoms, examination, ultrasound assessment and - if needed, further steps.

What an endometriosis work-up may include

  • A detailed history of the pain (cycle, intercourse, bowel/urination)
  • Gynaecological examination
  • Ultrasound evaluation of the pelvis (assessment of the uterus, ovaries, endometriomas)
  • A treatment and monitoring plan
  • If needed: a referral/recommendation for further work-up (e.g. MRI, surgery)

When is a work-up for endometriosis recommended?

Endometriosis develops gradually, and symptoms can appear as early as a young age, soon after the first period, while in some women they only appear later. A work-up is recommended when symptoms appear, i.e. complaints that point to this disease, or when you have difficulties with fertility. If you recognise yourself in these symptoms, it makes sense to have a targeted assessment.

Pain and symptoms related to the cycle

  • Extremely painful periods that disrupt daily life
  • Chronic pelvic pain (with or without the cycle)
  • Painful sexual intercourse 
  • Pain on bowel movements or urination, especially around menstruation

Fertility and specific situations

A quick decision: If your menstrual pain has been “normalised” for years, while it actually exhausts or limits you, it is worth having an assessment. The aim is to get a clear plan and reduce the discomfort and pain. 

What does an endometriosis work-up look like?

First we analyse the pattern of pain and symptoms, then we carry out a targeted ultrasound and clinical assessment.

1. A detailed conversation about symptoms

We talk about pain, your cycle, previous findings and pregnancy plans.

2. Gynaecological examination

Pelvic tenderness, the position of the uterus and any changes are assessed.

3. Specialised ultrasound

Ultrasound can reveal endometriomas (ovarian cysts), changes on the ovaries and signs of deep endometriosis. 

4. An individual treatment plan

Depending on the findings and symptoms, the plan may include: monitoring, hormonal therapy, surgical treatment, pregnancy planning. 

In some cases ultrasound can clearly indicate changes (e.g. an endometrioma), while in others further work-up is needed (pelvic MRI, laboratory tests, fertility assessment). The aim is to approach the diagnosis sensibly - step by step.
At Cito Polyclinic, in addition to the endometriosis work-up, we also offer laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis in cases where surgical treatment is the chosen option.

Preparing for the work-up 

The better you describe your symptoms, the more precise the diagnosis.

  • The ideal time for an ultrasound examination when endometriosis is suspected is immediately after the end of your period.
  • It is advisable to come with an empty bladder.
  • Prepare a list of all the medicines you have used to relieve pain, along with information on whether contraceptive pills have ever helped you.

Before you arrive, prepare the following information

  • The nature of the pain
    Note the pattern of the pain (before/during/after your period).
  • Disruption
    How much the pain disrupts you (work, sleep, activities) and what helps.
  • Previous findings and tests
    Bring earlier findings (ultrasound, MRI, operations, therapies) if you have them.
Note:If you take hormonal therapy or analgesics, do not stop them on your own. At the examination we assess what makes sense and when to carry out follow-ups.

What do you gain from the endometriosis work-up?

The aim of the work-up is not only to make a diagnosis, but to understand the cause of the symptoms and to define a plan that suits your needs and life situation.

You gain clarity, a plan and a sense of control over your symptoms - without wandering.

1
An assessment of the likelihood of endometriosis
Based on symptoms, examination and ultrasound
2
A plan for the pain
How to reduce pain and inflammation, what to monitor
3
A plan for fertility
If you are planning a pregnancy, we define the steps

In practice this means

  • you stop “enduring” it as though it were normal
  • you receive a realistic treatment plan (a hormonal and/or non-hormonal approach)
  • we define when further diagnostics are needed (MRI, surgery)
  • we monitor the condition with sensible follow-ups
Structure
Plan
Support

Why have the work-up at Cito Polyclinic?

Quality diagnostics require experience, patience and good communication - because symptoms often last for years before diagnosis. 

At Cito Polyclinic the emphasis is on a systematic approach that includes an examination, ultrasound diagnostics and an individual monitoring plan. We provide: 

  • Enough time to talk about the symptoms
  • A modern ultrasound assessment of the pelvis and an individual interpretation of the findings
  • A treatment and monitoring plan that suits your goal
  • If needed, a clear recommendation for further steps (MRI / surgery / fertility)

Do you have severe pain or are you planning a pregnancy?

Tell us which symptoms you have and how long they last - we will suggest the most sensible work-up plan.

Price of an endometriosis work-up

The price is charged as part of a gynaecological examination with an ultrasound examination and is 60€. Additional tests such as a Pap test, Colour Doppler or follow-up examinations are charged separately, as needed.

You can get the first available appointment straight away by phone on +385 21 457 800 or by sending a short message via the contact form.

Doctors

Our team of expert physicians

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this service

What are the symptoms of endometriosis and how is the diagnosis made?

Painful menstruation, painful intercourse, chronic pelvic pain and subfertility. The diagnosis is clinical and imaging-based; definitive confirmation is by laparoscopy with histopathology.

What are the treatment options (medical vs. surgical)?

The first line consists of analgesics and hormone therapy (COC, progestins, GnRH agonists/antagonists). Surgical treatment is indicated upon the physician's recommendation and depending on the symptoms endometriosis causes.

How does endometriosis affect fertility and pregnancy?

It may reduce fertility through anatomical disturbances and inflammation; surgical treatment and/or ART are considered depending on age, AMH and findings.

When is laparoscopy recommended in endometriosis?

When symptoms persist despite therapy, in infertility, and when endometriosis affects other organs with accompanying symptoms.

Testimonials from our patients

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Polyclinic Cito