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What are the Signs of Endometriosis?

Tiffany Manley
Tiffany Manley

Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial implants begin growing outside the uterus, on fallopian tubes, on ovaries or in many other areas within a woman’s pelvic region. Signs of endometriosis might be very painful or very faint, although the level of pain involved is not always a great indicator of how severe the case is. Some of the signs of endometriosis are painful periods, pain during bowel movements, infertility and excessive bleeding. Endometriosis can affect young and old alike, so if symptoms are present it is better for one to be safe than sorry and have them checked.

Painful menstrual periods are one of the signs of endometriosis. Many woman experience cramping or slight pain during their periods, but the pain associated with endometriosis is so severe that it can affect everyday life. Not only does this pain include the normal cramping associated with menstruation, it also can include lower back pain and general pelvic pain that is abnormally severe.

Painful bowel movements could be a sign of endometriosis and should be discussed with a doctor.
Painful bowel movements could be a sign of endometriosis and should be discussed with a doctor.

Pain associated with bowel movements is another one of the possible signs of endometriosis. In addition, a female suffering from endometriosis might also have bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Many times, this symptom is mistaken for another ailment, such as irritable bowel syndrome. No matter what the cause might be, it is always best for it to be checked by a physician, especially if it is not part of a person’s normal health behavior.

Some women with endometriosis experience no symptoms at all, while others suffer from pelvic and lower back pain.
Some women with endometriosis experience no symptoms at all, while others suffer from pelvic and lower back pain.

Infertility is one of the signs of endometriosis that first triggers the diagnosis. Many women seek out treatment for infertility and then find out that they have endometriosis. It is important to note that having one condition does not necessarily mean the other is present. If left untreated, endometriosis might lead to infertility, so if the symptoms are present in a young girl, early detection can be very important.

Painful menstrual periods are one of the signs of endometriosis.
Painful menstrual periods are one of the signs of endometriosis.

Excessive bleeding might also lead to an endometriosis diagnosis. This might take the form of a heavy period or bleeding in between menstruation. Having the length and severity of each month’s periods documented might assist doctors in pinpointing whether a condition might be endometriosis or some other ailment.

Other signs of endometriosis might be fatigue, bloating or nausea. These might be more persistent during menstruation. Even if all of the signs of endometriosis are present, another condition might be the culprit. Early detection and treatment are vitally important for any woman affected by a condition involving her reproductive organs.

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    • Painful bowel movements could be a sign of endometriosis and should be discussed with a doctor.
      By: JackF
      Painful bowel movements could be a sign of endometriosis and should be discussed with a doctor.
    • Some women with endometriosis experience no symptoms at all, while others suffer from pelvic and lower back pain.
      By: ryanking999
      Some women with endometriosis experience no symptoms at all, while others suffer from pelvic and lower back pain.
    • Painful menstrual periods are one of the signs of endometriosis.
      By: joshya
      Painful menstrual periods are one of the signs of endometriosis.
    • Endometriosis is the growth of endometrium outside of the uterus during the menstrual cycle.
      By: joshya
      Endometriosis is the growth of endometrium outside of the uterus during the menstrual cycle.