What is the main focus of a physician when diagnosing a patient suspected of having endometriosis?

The primary focus in diagnosing endometriosis is often on direct visualization through surgery. This method provides the most definitive diagnosis, as endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. During procedures such as laparoscopy, surgeons can directly observe the lesions, assess their location and extent, and often obtain biopsy samples for histological confirmation. This direct approach helps to rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cysts.

Although hormonal evaluations and physical examinations can provide supporting information — such as assessing symptoms like pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding — they are not definitive in confirming the diagnosis of endometriosis. Urinalysis is generally irrelevant in the diagnosis of endometriosis, as it does not provide information about the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Therefore, the most reliable method for diagnosing this condition is through surgical visualization.