As we mentioned in previous articles during the last stage of the menstrual cycle normally a layer of endometriosis lining in the inside of the uterus is expelled, known as menstruation blood but instead some of the endometriosis tissues grow somewhere in the body causing endometriosis. Endometriosis also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle by building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through the menstrual period. In this article, we will discuss what is culdocentesis in endometriosis?

I. Definition

Culdocentesis is defined as a procedure to check for abnormal fluid in the space just behind the vagina

II. Procedure

In order to take a fluid sample to test for endometriosis, after a pelvic examination the health technician will grasp the cervix with a medical instrument and lift it slightly then a long, thin needle is inserted through the wall of the vagina. If the fluid is present then it will be taken.

It is performed in women with pain in the lower abdomen/pelvis and is helpful in evaluating women suspected of endometriosis, a ruptured ovarian cyst, pelvic inflammatory disease etc.

III. Risk

Because of a risk of puncturing any cyst that exists and the needle may not be inserted too far or hard enough to go through the uterine wall, it now has been replaced by ultra sound because of it accurately identifies the presence of abdominal fluid and it is more comfortable for the patient, and provides additional information in the abdomen.