Endometriosis is a painful condition where you have tissue similar to the lining of the womb beginning to grow outside the womb. This can be in areas like the fallopian tubes and ovaries. This condition can occur at any age and is a long-term condition that can affect a woman’s quality of life.
Once endometrial-like tissue attaches itself outside the womb, it behaves as normal endometrial tissue does. This includes thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstruation. However, with no way to be expelled from the body, it gets trapped.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of endometriosis is pain, especially accompanying your period. This can often be severe. While many women experience period cramps or discomfort during their period, endometriosis pain is often described as more painful than usual.
In some women, the pain gets worse with time. Here are other common signs and symptoms of endometriosis.
Excessive Bleeding
People with endometriosis often experience heavy menstrual periods. At times, there is also bleeding in between periods. This is known as inter menstrual bleeding. Excessive bleeding means you will use more sanitary towels and tampons than is considered normal. You might also start suddenly soaking your clothes when on your period. If this is the case, try menstrual panties to help contain your flow.
Painful Periods
As mentioned above, the most common symptom of endometriosis is painful periods. You might experience pelvic cramping and pain a few days leading up to your period and a few days after as well. This might also be accompanied by lower back and abdominal pain. The medical term for this is dysmenorrhea.
Painful Intercourse and Bathroom activities
Pain during or after sexual intercourse. Some women also experience discomfort when urinating or having a bowel movement during their period.
Fertility Issues
While some people walk into the hospital to try and get to the bottom of existing endometriosis symptoms, for some, this diagnosis comes by accident.
A good number of women diagnosed with endometriosis only find out about the condition after being unable to get pregnant. Endometriosis is then discovered as doctors try to get to the root cause of their fertility problems.
In milder cases, infertility can be temporary. In such scenarios, fertility is usually restored after surgery to remove scar tissue and adhesions resulting from endometriosis. Unfortunately, in some women, infertility is permanent.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Other symptoms that might indicate endometriosis include diarrhea, nausea, bloating, constipation, and so on. These symptoms make it easy for endometriosis to be mistaken for other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
Do not hesitate to consult a specialist
While there is no cure for endometriosis just yet, a proper diagnosis helps you get on a management plan to help you cope better. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to book an appointment with your doctor.
