Symptoms
The cardinal symptom of endometriosis is the period pain called dysmenorrhea.
The appearance and the intensity of the endometriotic symptoms vary throughout the cycle and follow its hormonal changes. Some women complain of severe pain just before the start of the period and others of pain during the period.
In some women, the period pain is so severe, that they have to remain in bed, unable, even to carry out their daily routines.
The paradox of endometriosis is that the severity of pain does not correlate to the seriousness and the extend of the disease. Women with minimal endometriosis report severe dysmenorrhea, while others with extensive endometriosis, have no pain at all or even consider their pain as normal.
Appearance and Location of the pain:
- Just before, during or even after the period
- At ovulation
- Bowel pain during the period
- Pain during the period while urinating
- Pain during the period when emptying bowels
- During or after sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Back pain throughout the period
Other Associated Symptoms:
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Fatigue
- Constipation or diarrhea during the period
- Bloating during the period
Infertility is also a significant symptom of endometriosis. It is estimated that it affects the fertility of 24-50% of women sufferers.
If your period pain is so severe, that you can not carry out your daily tasks, such as going to school, or to work or your social activities, you must seek medical attention.
It is very helpful to record all of your symptoms, when they appear, how long they last, how severe they are and also what makes you feel better.
In doing so, you assist your doctor very much in establishing the diagnosis of endometriosis and to choose the right treatment for you.