Endometriosis: Early Symptoms Every Woman Should Know
Endometriosis is where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus begins to grow outside the uterus. This can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the lining of the pelvis, causing pain, scarring, and inflammation, and eventually can affect a person’s ability to conceive. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reports that endometriosis affects about 1 in 10 women in the prime reproductive years.
Determining the symptoms of endometriosis can discourage women from trying to manage the ‘normal’ symptoms of menstruation, which can include severe period pain.
Severe Period Pain
The most well known symptom of endometriosis is debilitating period pain. While menstrual cramps are common and expected, endometriosis pain is debilitating and causes a person to miss work, school, or other normal daily activities. The pain can start before the period and lasts through menstruation.
Pelvic or Lower Back Pain
Some women experience pain in either or both their pelvis and lower back, which can be both before, during or after their menstruation. Gynecological pain that worsens over time is a sign that a person should see a doctor.
Heavy Bleeding
The menstruation of an individual with endometriosis can be particularly heavy. If the individual bleeds through their pads or suffers significant disruption to their normal daily activities due to severe bleeding, it is advisable to see a doctor.
Pain During or After Sex
Pain during and after sex should also be a concern for people suffering from endometriosis. Dyspareunia can be caused by several things, but endometriosis causes deep abdominal pain during sex which should be evaluated by a doctor.
Painful Urination or Bowel Movements
Endometriosis can lead to pain when urinating or moving your bowels. It can be worse when it occurs during your menstrual cycle. You should go to the gynecologist if you experience this pain regularly.
Fatigue
Endometriosis can cause women to feel extremely tired and have little energy. This can be caused by chronic pain and inflammation or heavy menstrual bleeding.
Difficulty Getting Pregnant
Some women find out about endometriosis from their doctors when they try to get pregnant and are unable to do so. The scarring caused by endometriosis can block the fallopian tubes. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) mentions that endometriosis is present in many women who have problems conceiving.
Going to the Gynecologist
If menstrual pain interferes with your daily activities, it is important to consult a doctor. Dr Supriya Mahajan recommends not ignoring persistent or severe period pain, painful intercourse, heavy bleeding, or bowel and bladder symptoms, as these may indicate an underlying condition such as endometriosis. Depending on your symptoms, evaluation may include a pelvic examination, ultrasound, MRI, or, when appropriate, laparoscopy.
Some women with endometriosis experience few or no obvious symptoms, which can make diagnosis challenging. If symptoms occur frequently or affect your quality of life, timely evaluation by an experienced gynecologist can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
