Symptoms

Generally, the symptoms you experience will depend on where your endometriosis is located and how extensive the growth is; however, there is not always a direct correlation between the extent of the disease and the symptoms. Some women have very little endometriosis but lots of pain and others have severe endometriosis with no pain.

The symptoms are different for every woman. In fact, some women with endometriosis may not experience any symptoms at all, and will never be aware they have the disease. But for other women, the pain associated with endometriosis can lead to fatigue, feelings of depression and isolation, problems with sex and relationships, and difficulty fulfilling work and social commitments.

Common symptoms

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. This pain often occurs before or during menstruation, but may also be experienced at other times.

• Severe menstrual cramps
  Menstrual cramps caused by endometriosis are different from normal menstrual cramps — they are more severe and may begin earlier in the menstrual cycle and last longer.
• Painful intercourse
  Endometriosis can cause pain to be felt deep in the abdomen and/or pelvis during or following sex.
• Painful urination or bowel movements
  With endometriosis, these types of pain may be experienced during menstruation. In cases where the bowel and bladder are severely affected by endometriosis, pain may be felt even between periods.
• Lower back or abdominal pain
• Chronic pelvic pain
  Some women may experience abdominal and pelvic pain that is not associated with their menstrual cycles, but which occurs on a daily basis and which has lasted for six months or longer.
• Other gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, constipation and nausea
  For women with endometriosis, these symptoms may be experienced during menstruation.

 

Rare symptoms

In very rare cases, the growth of endometriosis is very extensive and the following symptoms might be experienced, usually when you are having your period.

• Leg pain or sciatica
  This type of pain suggests that the endometriosis is affecting nerves.
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the urine
  This type of pain suggest that the endometriosis is affecting the bowel or bladder.
• Shortness of breath
  This symptom suggests that the endometriosis may be affecting the lungs or diaphragm.