Endometriosis is a condition where the cells that make up the uterine lining make their way outside of the uterus. Because these cells thrive off hormones, like uterine cells, they build up and shed blood during menstruation every month, states the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM). The shedding of blood by these cells can cause growths in unusual places. These growths consist of scar tissue and are often painful. The UMM points out that about one-third of women have no symptoms.
Pelvic Pain
The most common side effect associated with endometriosis is pelvic pain. This pain is similar to menstrual cramps. Pain may be intense and abnormally uncomfortable during menstruation due to the endometriosis. WomensHealth.gov points out that the pain a woman experiences may get worse over time. This is often due to the size or number of growths that have developed. The growths are not cancerous but are still painful. The excess tissue that piles up can become inflamed.
Menstrual Changes
Menstrual shedding, or bleeding, may be heavy due to the condition. The shedding phase may last between five and 10 days instead of a typical period lasting three to seven days. Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods can be caused by endometriosis.
Sexual Intercourse
Women with endometriosis may find sexual intercourse to be painful. Penetration of the vagina can lead to pressure against scar tissue. The growths can decrease the depth of the vagina, making intercourse uncomfortable. The Mayo Clinic describes this discomfort during sex as a sharp pain, often deep inside the vagina.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
It is not uncommon to have pain when urinating or having a bowel movement. Some women may have intestinal pain as growths have developed in areas that affect the travel of foods through the gastrointestinal system. WomensHealth.gov suggests women with endometriosis may have diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea. These symptoms often appear during menstrual periods. This condition is sometimes mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), states the Mayo Clinic.
Fertility Issues
Endometriosis is one of the common causes of infertility in women, states the UMM. It can lead to difficulty conceiving a child as well as an increased risk of miscarriage. When the endometriosis patches form, they can cover ovaries and block the fallopian tubes, making it difficult or impossible for a woman's body to carry out the natural processes necessary for conceiving a child.
Other Symptoms
Persistent lower back pain may accompany other symptoms of endometriosis. Women may also report excessive fatigue that can be attributed to endometriosis. WomensHealth.gov suggests endometriosis may be linked to other conditions like asthma, lupus, fibromyalgia and other autoimmune diseases. Should the growths cause any organs to bind together, more health problems can arise, as can pain in other parts of the body.
