OpenHealth Q&A

Could This Indicate Endometriosis?

I've been anxious about my follow-up appointment since my MRI several months ago. Despite multiple attempts to contact my doctors through calls and emails, they refuse to communicate outside of their clinic hours and have rescheduled my appointments four times. Although I received the MRI report, its contents are baffling, and I have no one to clarify them for me. Using AI for interpretation isn’t something I’d prefer. For years I’ve been undergoing tests due to a suspicion of endometriosis. I experience all the typical symptoms along with some additional ones. Can anyone shed light on whether this indicates I might have endometriosis? I’m simply looking for clarity. I’m a 36-year-old female, not a smoker, measuring 5 feet 4 inches and weighing 11 stone, residing in England. I have never undergone any prior surgeries and have tried several forms of birth control, all of which I disliked for different reasons. I was using desogestrel until recently but had to discontinue it due to its negative impact on my mental health. Here’s what the MRI report states: The uterus is anteverted and measures 7cm x 4.6cm x 3.4cm, showing no specific lesions in the myometrium, and both diffuse and focal adenomyosis appear absent. The endometrial stripe looks normal at 4.5mm. There is no abnormal soft tissue mass in the cervix or vaginal vault. The ovaries show normal size and follicular activity, with no signs of endometrioma or complex cysts, and the fallopian tubes show no blockages. There is bilateral thickening noted in the sacrouterine ligaments. The rectum is in direct contact with the posterior vaginal wall without intervening fat. Additionally, there is a solid fibrotic nodule measuring 1.6cm x 0.9cm found in the pouch of Douglas (POD) with minor adhesions to both the posterior uterine serosa and the sigmoid colon. The colon appears to have normal distension and thickness of the wall. The urinary bladder, which is under-distended, looks normal. The urethra has a normal structure with no signs of hydroureters or fibrotic plaques in the vesicouterine recess. There are no indications of fluid accumulation or collections, and the pelvic side walls and inguinal lymph nodes appear unaffected. The abdominal organs show no abnormalities, and there are no signs of hydronephrosis or enlarged para-aortic lymph nodes, nor any issues detected with the bony structures or abdominal wall. In conclusion: The report identifies thickening in the sacrouterine ligaments and a fibrotic or possibly endometriotic plaque in the pouch of Douglas that is adhering to the colon and posterior uterine serosa, along with a loss of the fat plane between the vaginal wall and the rectum.

Answers (1)

2/6/2026, 10:40:41 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're feeling quite anxious about your situation, especially given the delays and challenges in communicating with your healthcare providers. I'll do my best to provide clarity regarding your symptoms and MRI report that may indicate endometriosis while ensuring you're aware of the next steps you can take.

Main Points:

1. Your MRI findings, especially the solid fibrotic nodule and thickening of sacrouterine ligaments, suggest potential endometriosis.
2. Monitoring your symptoms and seeking further clarification from your healthcare provider is essential.

Explanation: Endometriosis occurs when the tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of it. The symptoms often include pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, and infertility. Your MRI findings indicate a fibrotic nodule in the pouch of Douglas and thickening of the sacrouterine ligaments, both of which can be associated with endometriotic lesions. The fact that there are adhesions to surrounding structures also raises suspicion for endometriosis.

It’s important to remember that diagnosing endometriosis often requires a combination of imaging studies, symptom assessment, and sometimes surgical evaluation or biopsy. Your concerns are valid, and seeking clarity is essential for your peace of mind.

Next Steps:

1. Keep a Detailed Symptom Journal: Document your symptoms, their severity, and how they affect your daily life. This can be valuable information for discussions with your doctor.

2. Set Up a Callback or Direct Message: Since communication has been challenging, consider asking if you can request a phone call or email consultation with your specialist. Prepare specific questions about your MRI findings and what they mean.

3. Explore Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand your experience can provide emotional support and valuable insights. Many online platforms and local groups discuss endometriosis.

4. Review Treatment Options: If endometriosis is confirmed, there are various management options. Since birth control affected your mental health, discuss alternative medications or therapies with your doctor, such as hormonal treatments specifically tailored to mitigate side effects.

Remember, you're advocating for yourself and seeking clarity, which is very important. If you continue to feel overwhelmed, consider involving a friend or family member to help you manage communications with your healthcare team. You deserve the care and information you need to manage your health effectively.