What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

The most prominent symptom associated with endometriosis is mild to severe pelvic pain. This is often associated with the occurrence of one’s menstrual period. It is not uncommon for many women to suffer from cramping during their period, however, those with endometriosis will describe this pain to be far more severe than is usual for most. These same women have also stated that this pain will often progress over time.

The common symptoms and signs associated with endometriosis are:

• Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) – Cramping and pelvic pain may begin in the few days leading up to your menstrual period and will often extend into the days whilst having a period. It is also common to suffer from abdominal pain and lower back pain.
• Pain during intercourse – It is common to experience pain during or even after sexual intercourse if you suffer from endometriosis.
• Pain during urination or bowel movements – If you have endometriosis you are likely to suffer from pain when you urinate or have a bowel movement whilst you have your menstrual period.
• Excessive bleeding – It is normal for most women to have some periods that are heavier than others, however, when this bleeding becomes excessive, which is known as menorrhagia, or when you experience bleeding when you are between menstrual periods, known as menometrorrhagia, you may have endometriosis.
• Infertility – This is commonly associated with stage four endometriosis. Endometriosis is commonly diagnosed when some women are seeking infertility treatment.
• Other symptoms – There are a number of additional symptoms that are associated with endometriosis, which are often experienced or worsened during menstrual periods, these include:
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue

The extent of the condition, however, cannot simply be based on the severity of the pain experienced during menstruation. In some cases, women who suffer from mild endometriosis may have intense pain, in other cases, women with severe or advanced endometriosis may have very little to no pain at all.

Endometriosis is a condition that can be mistaken for a number of other conditions that also result in pelvic pain such as ovarian cysts or PID (pelvic inflammatory disease). Endometriosis may also be confused with other conditions, a common one being IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). IBS is a condition that results in bouts of constipation, abdominal cramping and diarrhoea. IBS has also been known to accompany endometriosis, which often further complicates the diagnosis.

When to see a doctor

If you currently suffer from any of the above symptoms and signs associated with endometriosis, then we suggest that you make an appointment with your doctor.

Endometriosis is known to be a complicated and often challenging condition to live with and manage. Through early diagnosis, you may be able to aid in the treatment and management of the condition and reduce or greatly relieve any symptoms you may suffer from.