How to Recognize Symptoms of Endometriosis

If you have endometriosis, tissues that should only be in the uterus are found in other places in the body. Managing this disease can be a long process, so it's important to recognize symptoms as soon as possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

How to Recognize Symptoms of Endometriosis

1. Recognize that the most common symptom of endometriosis is pain, usually in the pelvic area. It often appears with your menstrual period, but can occur anytime. Sometimes the pain is so severe it upsets your whole life.
2. Look for changes in other body functions. Endometriosis causes scar tissue that can change your inner anatomy, and in advanced stages, can fuse internal organs.
3. Notice whether or not you feel pain when having intercourse, bowel movements, urination, or pelvic exams. The amount of pain you feel can become worse or disappear.
4. Ask if having trouble becoming pregnant could be endometriosis. About 40% of women who have endometriosis are infertile. Many of these women have no other symptoms at all. If you're having trouble conceiving, your doctor should look for endometrial tissue or lesions.
5. Watch for heavy menstrual bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, blood in the urine, and low-back pain. These are other symptoms of endometriosis.
6. Tell your doctor if you have chest pain and cough up blood. These are rare symptoms of endometriosis.

Tips & Warnings

• Research the disease as much as you can if you think you have it.
• Find a doctor that has been successful finding and treating endometriosis, or ask your family doctor to refer you to one.
• Join an endometriosis support group.
• Even in medical articles you can find inaccurate information about endometriosis.