
A transvaginal scan is carried out from the inside using a device that goes into your vagina. An abdominal scan looks at your womb from the outside, through your lower abdomen. Blood tests to check for anaemia and other conditions.Using a swab to take a sample from inside your vagina, to check for infection.Your GP may also suggest the following tests. You can ask to have someone with you while you’re being examined. At the same time as the vaginal examination, they’ll use their other hand to press on the lower part of your abdomen. They’ll use a tool called a speculum to gently hold your vagina open while they check your cervix. If you’re sexually active or your GP thinks you may have secondary dysmenorrhoea, they’ll probably suggest you have a vaginal examination too.įor a vaginal examination, your GP will put gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina to gently feel for anything different in your womb or cervix. If you’re young and not sexually active, and your GP thinks you may have primary dysmenorrhoea, they may just examine your abdomen. They may also ask you about your medical history and how your periods are affecting your day-to-day life. Uterine fibroids and adenomyosis can also be removed surgically without the need for hysterectomy when the surgery is performed by a laparoscopic surgeon with experience treating these conditions.Your GP will ask about your symptoms. Laparoscopic surgery is used to both diagnose and treat endometriosis, and 90% of patients who undergo laparoscopic removal of endometriosis experience a significant reduction in pain and have much lighter flow with their periods. Surgery is also an effective treatment for some causes of heavy or painful cycles. A change in diet can decrease inflammation as well, leading to lighter or less painful periods. Medications are used to treat thyroid conditions, chronic endometritis and other inflammatory conditions. Instead, targeted medical and surgical treatments can correct these issues with great success. While this may help improve symptoms, it fails to address the underlying problem.

Gynecologists typically prescribe birth control pills or some other form of hormonal suppressive treatment to control heavy or painful cycles.
