1. Severe Pain May Occur
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, endometriosis can be treated. The first step toward treatment is recognizing symptoms of endometriosis. Pelvic pain may be the most common symptom. The pain may occur right before the start of or during the menstrual period. The pain usually decreases after bleeding has stopped. Some women also have pain during sex or during a pelvic exam. The severity of the pain may vary from month to month and does not always correspond to the extent of the disease.
2. Cause of Infertility
Some women are not aware they have endometriosis and get a diagnosis only after having trouble becoming pregnant. When a woman has endometriosis, tissue similar to uterine cells grows beyond the uterus. It usually grows in the fallopian tubes, cervix or vagina. The abnormal growth of this tissue can interfere with becoming pregnant in several ways. Doctors can perform a laparoscopic procedure to view the reproductive organs if endometriosis is suspected and they spot abnormal tissue growth.
3. Period Problems
Most women have variations in their menstrual flow from month to month. However, if you are experiencing very heavy bleeding, it can be a symptom of endometriosis. Irregular periods may also be a sign of the disorder. Both symptoms can be caused by other problems, so it's important to recognize all the possible symptoms of endometriosis to piece together a diagnosis.
4. Bowel Trouble
Not every woman with endometriosis will have problems with her bowels. However, it can be a symptom. For some, diarrhea may be the problem. On the opposite end of things, some women experience constipation. Abdominal pain may also be present along with pain while having a bowel movement. The bowel trouble may correspond with the menstrual cycle and occur right before or during your period. Blood may also be present when urinating.
5. A Rare Occurrence
Most of the time, abnormal tissue growth occurs in the reproductive organs or the bladder. However, in rare cases endometriosis can occur in the lungs or the brain. Chest pain and coughing up blood can mean the endometriosis has spread to the lungs. Headaches and seizure activity can indicate endometriosis is in the brain. It's uncommon for endometriosis to spread to these areas, but it is something to be aware of.
