5 Signs of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecologic issues found in women of reproductive age — it affects 190 million women around the globe and about 11% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 here in the United States.

As if these numbers aren’t concerning enough, the average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis for endometriosis is between 4 and 11 years, and six out of 10 women go undiagnosed completely.

As women’s health experts, the team here at Bay Area Physicians for Women’s Health wants to do our part to reverse this slow diagnosis period (or lack of diagnosis), which is why we’re outlining some common signs of endometriosis.

Endometriosis basics

To start this discussion, let’s take a look at what occurs when you have endometriosis, which will explain some of the symptoms. 

Under normal circumstances, your uterus is lined with endometrial tissues that thicken with each menstrual cycle to prepare to host a fertilized egg. When that egg doesn’t arrive, these endometrial tissues and cells shed out, which is what creates your period.

With endometriosis, endometrial cells and tissues grow where they shouldn’t — outside your uterus. In most cases, these tissues grow around your pelvic cavity and can attach themselves to different organs, such as your:

• Fallopian tubes
• Ovaries
• Bladder
• Exterior uterine walls
• Connective tissues
• Rectum
• Cervix

Not only are these tissues misplaced, but they also act as if they were still inside your uterus, thickening with each menstrual cycle. Unlike endometrial tissues inside your uterus, these tissues can’t shed out and are trapped in your uterus, where they can pose problems with function and comfort.

Common warning signs of endometriosis

Now let’s get into the heart of this discussion and go over some of the more common signs of endometriosis, which include:

Pelvic pain

Far and away, one of the biggest complaints among women with endometriosis is pelvic pain, especially during their periods. As endometrial tissues grow and become trapped, they can make menstrual cramps increasingly more painful.

As the condition progresses, some women with endometriosis can develop chronic pelvic pain, as well as pain in their lower backs.

Heavy bleeding

Another side effect of endometriosis is having abnormal periods that are on the heavier side.

Pain during intercourse

If you have endometrial adhesions inside your pelvis, these can get tugged during intercourse and lead to painful sex.

Digestive issues

Many women with endo also report digestive issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. And these symptoms tend to flare during periods.

Infertility

If endometrial tissues grow around your reproductive organs, it can lead to fertility issues. For example, endometrial implants can block your Fallopian tubes.

Each of these symptoms on their own should prompt you to investigate further, and when more than one is affecting you, it’s time to come see us.

For expert diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, please contact our office in Mobile, Alabama, to schedule an appointment today.