June 24, 2025
Endometriosis is a chronic and painful disease that affects an estimated one in seven Australian women born with a female reproductive tract. It results from growth outside the uterus of tissue similar to the uterine lining, most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic structures, leading to debilitating pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, and a host of other symptoms.
Diagnosis was already delayed - up to ten years in some cases, since invasive laparoscopic surgery had long been the standard. New RANZCOG initiatives, however, are reversing this trend.
What the New RANZCOG Guidelines Say
The RANZCOG 2025 update gives a 'living guideline' that recommends the use of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) as first-line in the diagnosis of endometriosis. The major recommendations are:
First-line assessment: Offer a transvaginal pelvic ultrasound in symptomatic women for endometriosis.
Alternative imaging: If TVUS is unavailable or when deep infiltrating endometriosis is suspected, offer a pelvic MRI.
Transabdominal ultrasound: For symptomatic women who cannot have TVUS and MRI is unavailable, a transabdominal ultrasound can be offered.
Surgery: It is not recommended to be a first-line diagnostic study.
These recommendations promote care consistency and reduce the requirement for invasive surgery, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis (source).
What is Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS)?
TVUS is a specialist pelvic scan with a thin probe placed inside the vaginal canal, which offers:
Detailed imaging of pelvic organs such as the uterus, ovaries, and bowel
Improved imaging of deep lesions and adhesions in endometriosis
Low-risk, patient-comfortable way of early discovery
Symptoms You May Require a Pelvic Ultrasound
If you experience any of the following, a pelvic ultrasound can provide some answers:
Severe menstrual cramps that cannot be controlled with medication
Pain with ovulation or continuous pelvic pain
Sexual pain (dyspareunia)
Gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms that vary by cycle
Difficulty conceiving
Specialised Endometriosis Imaging at Ultrasound Insight
At Ultrasound Insight, Greater Springfield, we provide outstanding pelvic imaging for sensitive conditions such as endometriosis. Our service is:
Trauma-informed and empathetic
Conducted by experienced sonographers with endometriosis mapping education
Complemented by concise reporting to allow simple referral to your gynaecologist
If a loved one or you is suffering from long-term pelvic pain, don't wait to get diagnosed. Let us help you navigate it with empathy and clarity.
Book an ultrasound pelvic today and begin the process of gaining insight into your health.
