Endometriosis Symptoms

Endometriosis is a disorder of the female reproductive system in which endometrial tissue, which would usually grow only inside the womb (uterus) begins to grow outside the womb, usually in the pelvis and lower abdomen. The symptoms of endometriosis vary in severity depending on the location of the excess tissue and the amount of it which grows in places where it's not supposed to be. Endometrial tissue may build up in the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the intestines and in extreme cases, the lungs. For more information about endometriosis and exactly how it works, click here.

Diagnosis

Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in its early stages, as its affects may appear to be part of a woman's normal menstrual cycle. The most common signs of the disorder are pelvic or abdominal pain and increasingly painful periods, symptoms which many women expect to experience at some point during the month. In very rare cases, a woman with endometriosis may experience no symptoms at all, and her condition is diagnosed only during a surgical procedure for another problem, such as ovarian cysts. If a woman knows what she should be looking out for, however, she stands a much better chance of getting her condition correctly diagnosed by a gynecologist, who can then begin administering treatment to help her manage the problem.

Physical Symptoms

- Increasingly painful periods over the course of several menstrual cycles.

- Pain during sexual intercourse, particularly when the endometrial tissue builds up to its thickest level, just before ovulation. This often leads sufferers to avoid sex at their most fertile time in the month, which contributes to fertility problems.

- Persistent pain in the pelvis and abdomen throughout the month.

- Pain in the lower back.

- Painful bowel movements, especially during menstruation, perhaps with bleeding from the rectum.

- Pain when urinating during menstruation.

- Diarrhea or constipation.

- Coughing up blood (if endometrial tissue is growing in the lungs - this is rare).

- Fatigue and low energy levels.

- Infertility or "sub" fertility (difficulty getting pregnant).

Psychological Affects

Endometriosis can have a psychological impact on a woman's life. A sufferer is likely to be experiencing chronic pain. In addition to that, if she is of child bearing age and wants to have a family, she might be worried about her inability to conceive. This can lead to feelings of depression, isolation or inadequacy as a woman. The pain may be affecting her desire for sex, which could lead to relationship problems. It may also be difficult for a sufferer to fulfill her work or social commitments while she is experiencing symptoms.

Additional Complications

- Bowel blockages and Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be caused by the build-up of endometrial tissue in the intestines.

- Ovarian cysts can occur when tissue grows inside or on the ovaries and the blood from the tissue forms cysts.

- Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition which can occur if endometrial tissue affects the fallopian tubes. The tubes can become scarred or damaged, even blocked, which means that an egg from the ovaries cannot travel down them to the uterus. The egg can then be fertilised in one of the tubes and implant there.

- Ovarian and other cancers may be more likely to develop in endometriosis sufferers, however, the increased risk is still low.

Treatment