Endometrial tissue is found inside a woman's uterus. Prior to her menstrual period each month, the endometrial tissue expands with blood and then sheds the blood during menstruation. Endometriosis occurs when this tissue grows in places other than the uterus. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that over 5 million American women have endometriosis.
Pelvic Pain
Pain may be noticed in the pelvic region prior to or during menstruation. Some women have pain at other times in the menstrual cycle. This pain may also be in the abdominal area or lower back and may be mild or severe.
Menstrual Cramps
A woman with endometriosis may complain of severe menstrual cramping. She may notice that this has worsened over time.
Painful Sex
Intercourse may become painful, with pain felt in the vagina or higher in the pelvis. Some women notice that they have pain after sex.
Bowel Pain
The woman with endometriosis may have intestinal pain, which may worsen when she has a bowel movement. This pain may or may not be correlated to her menstrual cycle. Some women develop constipation or diarrhea due to this tissue growth.
Painful Urination
According to Mayo Clinic, some women with endometriosis develop pain during urination. This may happen occasionally or every time they void.
Heavy Periods
This disorder can cause heavy menstruation. Vaginal bleeding may be noticed in between menstrual periods.
Nausea
Nausea and bloating during menstruation may be indicative of this condition. This may cause temporary loss of appetite.
Fatigue
Fatigue may accompany endometriosis. This may be due to excessive blood loss during each menstrual cycle.
Infertility
One serious symptom of this condition is decreased fertility. Many women are unable to bear children due to this condition, but treatments often help.
Pain in Other Areas
The most common places for endometrial tissue to grow, other than inside the uterus, are outside the uterus, on an ovary, on a fallopian tube and other areas inside the pelvis. Some women develop it in the intestine, rectum, bladder, vulva or vagina. It may grow outside the cervix and protrude into the vagina. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, endometrial tissue rarely may grow in a woman's brain or lungs. It has also been known to grow on the outer skin surface. Pain may occur from tissue growth in any of these areas.
