What is the definitive method for diagnosing endometriosis?

Laparoscopy is considered the definitive method for diagnosing endometriosis because it allows for direct visualization of the pelvic organs and any endometrial tissue that may be present outside the uterus. During this minimally invasive surgical procedure, a physician can identify, biopsy, and potentially even excise endometrial lesions, providing both diagnostic insight and possible therapeutic intervention simultaneously.

This method surpasses imaging techniques like transvaginal ultrasound or CT scans, which may suggest the presence of endometriosis but cannot confirm it with absolute certainty. Serum CA-125 levels can be elevated in conditions such as endometriosis, but this marker is not specific and can result in false positives due to other pelvic or abdominal disorders. Consequently, while these alternative methods may aid in the assessment of suspected endometriosis, laparoscopy remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis.