Endometriosis may be a common condition in women, but it’s surprisingly difficult for medical professionals to detect. This is down to the symptoms of the condition, which can mimic other common conditions. Here, you’ll discover more about the symptoms and when to seek advice from a doctor.
Classic Endometriosis Symptoms
The symptoms of endometriosis can differ between women. However, there are some classic signs to watch out for. These include:
- Painful, irregular or heavy periods
- Fatigue
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Painful bowel movements
- Infertility
Painful, heavy and irregular periods are the most common signs of the condition. You may find that the pain begins a few days before your periods, and it can also cause lower back pain. The pain is worse than the usual menstrual pain and it also tends to worsen over time. It’s also possible you’ll experience bleeding between periods.
If you experience pain during or after sexual intercourse, this is also a common sign of the condition. You also might experience painful bowel movements, largely during your menstrual cycle.
Infertility is another symptom of the condition. While not all women with endometriosis will develop infertility, it’s still a symptom to be aware of. Some women have no other symptoms of the condition and only discover they have it when they’ve been diagnosed with infertility.
Other Common Associated Symptoms
The above are the most common endometriosis symptoms. However, there are also others to be aware of, such as:
- Depression
- Losing dark blood prior to period
- Pain when urinating
It’s common for sufferers of endometriosis to experience some level of depression. This is down to the pain the condition causes, alongside the impact it can have on everyday life. Some argue the emotional symptoms of the condition are the most difficult to handle.
You may also find you lose darker blood before your period starts. Some patients also experience pain when urinating, and in rare cases, blood may be passed during urination.
Knowing When to See a Doctor
It can be difficult to know when to see a doctor about the symptoms of endometriosis. As the symptoms can also point to various other conditions, it’s also quite difficult to diagnose. However, that being said, it’s important to seek advice from a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms above.
You’ll know whether the pain you feel is worse than it should be. So, if you experience painful periods and you also have some of the other symptoms mentioned above, it’s best to go and see the doctor. Keep a list of all of the symptoms you experience. This will help the doctor to diagnose the condition much quicker.
While there is no cure for endometriosis at the moment, there are numerous treatment options available. These can help to minimize the symptoms and provide patients with a better quality of life. Keeping an eye on your symptoms and being persistent when seeking medical help is the best advice you can follow.
More Articles
- Endometriosis: what is it?
- Being Pregnant with Endo
- Managing Bladder and Bowel Issues
- Endometriosis Symptoms: What to Look For
- Getting an Endometriosis Diagnosis
- Endo Treatment Options: Medical
- Endo Treatment Options: Natural
- Skin Symptoms with Endo and How to Treat them
- Finding Support from Endo Groups
