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Symptoms

Some women have symptoms, while others may not. Symptoms also vary from woman to woman in intensity.

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. The pain often correlates to the menstrual cycle, however a woman with endometriosis may also experience pain at other times during her monthly cycle. Endometriosis.org

Here are the most common symptoms:
  • Painful, heavy or irregular periods
  • Pain or cramping during sexual intercourse
  • Infertility
  • Fatigue
  • Painful urination during menstruation
  • Painful bowel movement during menstruation
  • Low back pain
  • Other gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, constipation and nausea
Some women with endometriosis also suffer:
  • Allergies
  • Chemical sensitivities
  • Frequent yeast infections

Uncommon symptoms are chest pain and coughing blood due to endometriosis in the lung and headaches and/or seizures when endometriosis is in the brain.

There is no direct correlation between the amount of endometriosis and the amount of pain and discomfort. A small amount of endometriosis can be more painful than severe disease. It depends, largely, where the endometriosis is actually growing inside the body.

It is very important that you don’t assume you have endometriosis based on the above symptoms. These symptoms have many other causes, so speak to your doctor to discuss diagnosis.

Despite hallmark symptoms, the average delay in diagnosis remains an astounding 9 years, and a patient will seek the counsel of 5 or more physicians before her pain is adequately addressed. – Michelle E. Marvel, ERC

The symptoms of endometriosis can also indicate many other conditions – such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – and because endometriosis manifests itself in a variety of ways, diagnosis can be difficult.

Important
You know your body, so speak to your doctor about all your symptoms. If a doctor ignores your symptoms, don’t give up, seek a second opinion, or a third opinion if necessary. The earlier endometriosis is diagnosed, the earlier you can be treated to relieve your symptoms.