ENDOMETRIOSIS SYMPTOMS

ENDOMETRIOSIS PAIN

Symptoms of endometriosis can vary and some individuals experience symptoms that others may not. One of the most common symptoms of endometriosis is pelvic pain. Pelvic pain associated with endometriosis usually occurs more or less at the same time as menstruation. The pain may increase in intensity as the disease worsens.

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OTHER SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

Endometriosis should also be considered if you are experiencing any or some of the following:

• pelvic pain

• painful periods

• pain during sexual intercourse

• fertility problems

• lower back pain

• abdominal bloating

• painful or problematic bowel movements, including diarrhoea or constipation

• pain passing urine

• extreme fatigue

• nausea

• changes to your periods such as spotting before your period is due

• or if you have a family history of endometriosis

It is estimated that 30-40% of women with endometriosis are sub-fertile (being less than normally fertile though still capable of effecting fertilisation). Infertility is not always caused by endometriosis - it can be due to many other factors.

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Symptoms in young girls often differ from those of adults who have endometriosis. Many young girls with endometriosis have severe pain during menstruation and in between menstruation. Bowel and bladder symptoms leading to pain during urination or when having a stool are also common in young girls.

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Young girls who suspect they may have endometriosis should seek medical help as soon as possible. With an early diagnosis it may be possible to decrease life-long effects associated with endometriosis – including pain and infertility – and improve quality of life.

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Information sourced and adapted from https://www.dischem.co.za.