Endometriosis Symptoms
Normal periods do not cause excruciating pain, but endometriosis does. There are a number of endometriosis symptoms that should not be ignored.
Endometriosis is a disorder where similar tissues inside the uterus start to grow outside the uterine cavity. This lining of the uterus is called endometrium. Its symptoms vary from woman to woman. The severity of pain cannot indicate the endometriosis stage.
Here are some common issues women and teens with endometriosis suffer from.
The most common endometriosis symptoms are:
- Pain in lower abdomen before and during periods (usually worse than “normal” menstrual cramps)
- Pain during or after sexual activity
- Painful urination/bowel movements during periods
- Fatigue
- Infertility
- Heavy bleeding
- Other gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea
In addition, many women with endometriosis suffer from:
- Allergies
- Chemical sensitivities
- Frequent yeast infections
Many women with endo also experience a range of immune disorders, including asthma, eczema, and certain autoimmune diseases. Infertility affects about 30-40% of women with endo and is a common result of the progression of the disease.
Endometriosis Diagnosis
An endometriosis diagnosis is considered uncertain until proven by laparoscopy, a surgical procedure done under anesthesia. A laparoscopy usually shows the location, size, and extent of the growths. Laparoscopy is an invasive surgery to remove the endometrial tissues. This helps the doctor and patient make better treatment choices. If you or a loved one is experiencing endometriosis-like symptoms, please visit our resources page to find a healthcare provider near you.
NOTE: Not diagnosing and helping adolescent girls and young women with the early symptoms of endometriosis is more likely to doom them to pain in later years.
Visit our store for more endometriosis resources such as books, supplements, and vitamins that help people ease the symptoms of this painful disease.
Learn More With the Endometriosis Symptoms Survey
If you are experiencing pain, fatigue, heavy bleeding, and other symptoms listed above and want to learn more, take our endometriosis symptoms survey here.
Have a question, concern or comment? Fill out the form or write to us at support@endometriosisassn.org for more information.
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