Signs & Symptoms of Endometriosis to Watch Out For

March 31, 2022

It’s Endometriosis Awareness Month, so we’re doing just that - raising awareness about the prevalent gynecological condition. Endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which tissue, similar to the issue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (called the endometrium), grows outside the uterus. This abnormal tissue can grow on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvis, and though rarely found beyond the pelvic region, it’s not impossible.

Though endometriosis affects up to 10 percent of women, it is still a very misunderstood condition. The symptoms are not particularly unique, which often leads to misdiagnosis. That is why it’s so important that people understand the most common ways endometriosis manifests itself in the body. Learning about the signs and symptoms may prompt you to seek medical help sooner and help you advocate for yourself when speaking with a doctor. Keep reading to discover the top 5 symptoms of endometriosis.

5 Signs & Symptoms to Look Out For

• Painful periods: Take note of how severe and in what regions the pain during your period is felt. Pelvic pain and cramps felt in the abdomen or lower back are most often associated with endometriosis. The pain may begin several days before your period and end several days after, sometimes lasting for a total of 1 to 2 weeks.
  
  
• Pain during penetrative sex: Pain during or after penetrative intercourse is common with endometriosis.
  
  
• Pain during bowel movements or urination: Those with endometriosis may experience pain or discomfort during bowel movements or urination, especially while on your period.
  
  
• Infertility: Endometriosis can make it more difficult to get pregnant, putting you at greater risk of infertility, which is why some people are only diagnosed with the condition after seeking treatment for infertility.
  
  
• Abnormal or heavy menstrual flow: Abnormal menstrual flows, such as bleeding between periods or excessive bleeding (extremely heavy periods) can be signs of endometriosis.

Risk Factors for Endometriosis

Though there is no way to prevent endometriosis, the following factors may put you at greater risk of developing the condition:

• People who have a close family member with the condition (sibling, parent, etc…)
  
  
• People who give birth for the first time after the age of 30
  
  
• People who never give birth
  
  
• People with an abnormal menstrual history, such as shorter period cycles, heavier or longer periods, or menstruation beginning at a young age

Understanding the signs and symptoms above is crucial to getting a diagnosis. And as part of the diagnosis, your doctor should tell you which stage of endo you have. Endometriosis is currently divided into four stages: minimal (stage 1), mild (stage 2), moderate (stage 3), and severe (stage 4). Ultimately, early detection is critical as if left untreated, it can (in extreme cases) be fatal. So if you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms above - do yourself a favour and speak with a medical professional.