A female's uterus is lined with tissue called the endometrium. This lining normally thickens and is then shed during the menstrual cycle if pregnancy does not occur. If you have endometriosis, this tissue grows in other areas including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, abdomen, pelvis or others. During the menstrual cycle these growths continue to thicken; however, they cannot exit the body. Endometriosis can remain mild or it can cause disabling symptoms. This condition can also be present without symptoms. This means that while there are typical symptoms that occur with this disease, there are no set early endometriosis symptoms because it affects each woman differently.
Pain
In the initial stages of endometriosis, you may experience pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or lower back. Menstrual cramps may be worse than usual for you. The pain may intensify right before you get a period and during menstruation, states the Endometriosis Association. Intercourse, urination and bowel movements may all become painful. If you notice these symptoms, your doctor can perform a laparoscopy to help confirm a diagnosis and see the extent of any abnormal tissue growth.
Fatigue and Spotting
Every woman experiences this condition differently. You can have a lot of tissue growth and few symptoms, or very little extra tissue growth and severe symptoms. Along with pain, endometriosis can make you feel fatigued. The National Women's Health Information Center website recommends to be on the lookout for unexplained spotting in-between your periods. You may develop diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea and in general not feel well, especially when you have your period. It is important to talk to your doctor about these symptoms because in some cases, endometriosis can continue to worsen if not treated properly. During times of severe symptoms taking a hot bath or using a warm compress or heating pad can help.
Infertility
According to the National Institutes of Health, endometriosis can lead to scarring in the fallopian tubes and around the ovaries. This can make it difficult for eggs to be released and fertilized, and you may have trouble becoming pregnant. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists claims that some women never have any symptoms with endometriosis. In these cases, difficulty getting pregnant is the only warning sign.
