Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis

Although endometriosis is one of the most common causes of infertility, it’s frequently misdiagnosed or goes undiagnosed for years. This is, in part, because the symptoms of endometriosis are often mistaken for other conditions. That’s why it’s so important to learn about the signs of endometriosis and to see your doctor if you are experiencing them. Here’s what to look for. 

Intensely Painful Menstrual Cramps

While menstrual cramps are common, intensely painful cramps that prevent you from going to work, school, or doing other daily activities shouldn’t be ignored. If you find that you’re calling out of work or missing other important activities every month because you’re in so much pain, it’s time to get checked. 

Increased Sensitivity to Pain

Endometriosis itself is often a painful condition. Tissue similar to that which lines your uterus frequently adheres to other places in the body, causing organs to stick together. Scar tissue also often develops. Yet there is another symptom of endometriosis that sometimes causes the disease to be even more painful: central pain sensitization. Central pain sensitization means you feel pain from both endometriosis and other conditions even more intensely. 

Heavy Periods

Heavy periods are another common symptom of endometriosis, but it’s easy to be confused about how much bleeding is normal. If you notice any of the following symptoms, your period is considered too heavy.

• Bleeding for longer than seven days
• Soaking a pad or tampon each hour for at least two hours in a row
• Feeling fatigued or weak due to blood loss
• Needing to double up sanitary products, such as using both pads and tampons
• Needing to change your pad or tampon during the night
• Limiting your activities because of your menstrual flow
• Having blood clots that are bigger than a quarter

All of the above are common signs and symptoms of endometriosis, and should be discussed with your doctor. 

Spotting in Between Periods

Polyps, fibroids, changes in hormone levels, contraceptives, and even ovulation sometimes cause spotting between periods. However, spotting when you’re not on your period is also a symptom of endometriosis. Let your doctor know if you experience spotting between periods, especially if you’re also experiencing some of the other signs and symptoms mentioned here.

Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis can cause pain throughout your body, depending on where you have tissue growth. However, it commonly causes pain in the pelvic region, including your lower abdomen and back, and sometimes down into your thighs. Additionally, endometriosis can cause cysts filled with fluid to grow on your ovaries. When these cysts rupture, they also cause pelvic pain. 

Importantly, pelvic pain caused by endometriosis is often chronic. If you’ve had pelvic pain for six months or more, endometriosis may be to blame. 

Pain During Urination and Bowel Movements 

Tissue growth caused by endometriosis can happen anywhere in your body, but it frequently grows on or near your bladder and intestines. As a result, you may experience pain during bowel movements and urination. This pain often worsens during your period because the tissue is reactive to hormonal changes. Additionally, you may experience constipation, diarrhea, or symptoms that mimic a UTI due to inflammation, scar tissue and adhesions from endometriosis.

Painful Sex

Painful sex is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. Tissue often grows below your uterus, on your vagina and on your rectum. This tissue can adhere organs together and become irritated during sexual activity. If you are in pain during or after sex, ask your gynecologist whether it may be caused by endometriosis. 

Fatigue

Approximately half of all women who have endometriosis experience fatigue, and many feel that it is one of the worst symptoms. Fatigue due to endometriosis is often debilitating, causing you to feel exhausted and struggle to keep up with daily tasks. If you are experiencing ongoing fatigue, it’s important to let your doctor know so that the cause can be investigated.

Anxiety and Depression

Endometriosis often interferes with your ability to keep up at work, participate in the activities you love, and successfully conceive. Plus, there’s evidence that the disease causes anxiety and depression. 

Unfortunately, the physical symptoms of endometriosis are often dismissed as anxiety or depression. Remember, it is quite common to have both endometriosis and anxiety or depression, so be sure to seek a second opinion if you feel that your concerns are not taken seriously.

Infertility

Up to 50% of women who have endometriosis experience infertility. If you’re struggling to conceive, it’s important to talk to a fertility specialist. There are many ways in which endometriosis can cause infertility, including blocking your fallopian tubes, altering the anatomy of your reproductive organs or preventing implantation. However, there are treatments that can help. 

In some cases, surgery can remove tissue interfering with conception. Or you may need in vitro fertilization to help you conceive. Alternatively, you may wish to freeze your eggs to preserve your fertility, or explore surrogacy if you need to have a hysterectomy due to endometriosis. 

If you are experiencing any of the above signs and symptoms of endometriosis, be sure to tell your doctor. And if you’re experiencing infertility due to endometriosis (or think you might be), schedule a consult at RHWC to discuss your options. Our caring staff is happy to answer all your questions and help you on your fertility journey.