Endometriosis symptoms: is this pain normal?
For years, many women are told that their menstrual pain is "normal" or "just part of being a woman." Often it isn't. When pain forces you to miss school or work, doesn't respond to common painkillers, or affects your daily life, it's worth looking into endometriosis.
What is endometriosis?
It's a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it — on the ovaries, the pelvis and, in more advanced cases, the bowel or bladder. This tissue responds to the hormones of your cycle, becomes inflamed, and causes pain and, over time, adhesions.
Most common symptoms
- Very painful periods (dysmenorrhea) that don't respond to common painkillers.
- Pelvic pain outside your period, sometimes constant.
- Pain with sex (dyspareunia), especially with deep penetration.
- Pain when urinating or having a bowel movement, especially during your period.
- Heavy or irregular bleeding.
- Significant fatigue.
- Difficulty getting pregnant (infertility), sometimes the first sign.
The amount of pain doesn't always match the amount of disease.
Signs it's worth getting evaluated
- You miss activities because of period pain.
- Common painkillers no longer work.
- Pain with sex or when using the bathroom during your period.
- Months trying to conceive without success.
Recognize these symptoms? Take the symptom self-test and, if you need it, book an online evaluation (USD $50) with a specialist in minimally invasive excision surgery for endometriosis.
FAQ
Is endometriosis pain like a normal cramp?
It's usually more intense, longer, and less manageable with common painkillers.
Can you have endometriosis without pain?
Yes; sometimes the only sign is difficulty getting pregnant.