9 Endometriosis Symptoms to Prevent Delay in Treatment
Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by the growth of the uterine lining-like tissues outside the uterine cavity, causing pain and fertility problems.
It affects up to 10% of women at their reproductive age, according to the World Health Organization.
The condition can sometimes show Endometriosis symptoms that are distinct from symptoms experienced in normal conditions.
Still, Endometriosis often gets misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed due to the complexity of the condition, as it can affect more than one body organ.
Most frequently, Endometriosis affects the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and less often in the region of the body beyond the pelvic area.
Thus, a detailed understanding of Endometriosis symptoms for early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to alleviate the painful symptoms.
This comprehensive article will provide valuable insight into the various signs and symptoms of Endometriosis to prevent delay in seeking treatment.
When do Endometriosis symptoms start
Many women of reproductive age can experience Endometriosis symptoms.
Women between the ages of 15 and 44 years can primarily experience Endometriosis, which can get more severe around the menstrual phase.
However, Endometriosis is a multifactorial condition (caused by more than one factor), and it can develop in the following regions of the body:
- Ovaries
- Fallopian tubes
- Uterosacral ligaments
- Surface outside the uterus
- Vagina
- Cervix
- Bladder
Being a multifactorial condition, Endometriosis is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed resulting in delayed diagnosis.
As an example, the average time to diagnose the symptoms of infertility in women with Endometriosis can range from 4 to 11 years.
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Endometriosis can show the following symptoms in women:
Painful periods
Painful periods are one of the chief symptoms of Endometriosis in women, which is different from normal menstrual periods, causing intense and debilitating pain each month.
Where a healthcare practitioner may investigate the other body systems during intense pain, the pain experienced during periods is often neglected or considered normal.
However, Endometriosis pain during periods is not normal and is much more intense than regular period pain.
However, the Endometriosis symptoms during the period are different from regular period pain in the following areas:
| Aspects | Endometriosis symptoms during a period | Normal period |
|---|---|---|
| Causes | The tissues outside the uterine cavity shed into the abdomen | Shedding of the uterine lining in the absence of fertilization |
| Intensity of pain | Sudden, intense pain, inflammation, and scar tissue | Mild, moderate, or intense pain |
| Period blood | Heavy bleeding with blood clots | Usual bleeding pattern |
Urination problems
In case the bladder is involved and Endometriosis is developed around the bladder, a woman can face problems in urination.
Bladder Endometriosis symptoms include painful urination, blood in urine, and changes in urinary frequency.
Infertility
Endometriosis is one of the common conditions that can escalate the risks of infertility in women.
Around 30% to 50% of infertile women have Endometriosis.
It happens when the Endometriosis grows inside the female ovary and forms a cyst called Endometrioma.
As per the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Endometriosis can make pregnancy difficult.
Endometriosis can affect fertility in the following ways:
- Pelvic adhesions
- The altered hormonal environment of the egg
- Changes in egg quality
- Changes in immune system functioning
- Scarred fallopian tubes
- Fatigue
As early as 1995, fatigue was not considered a major symptom of Endometriosis in women.
However, recent studies have reinforced the consideration of fatigue as a common and bothersome Endometriosis symptom.
Further, Endometriosis fatigue is commonly associated with other symptoms, such as menstrual pain, non-menstrual pain, stress, and anxiety.
As per the Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes 2020, Endometriosis-related fatigue can impact a woman’s daily life, social activities, mood, emotions, and relationships.
To know how these Endometriosis symptoms are diagnosed, read our article “Endometriosis Diagnosis: A Closer Look at Challenges and Advancements”
Nausea and vomiting
Gastrointestinal Endometriosis symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting-like feelings can be seen in women with Endometriosis.
Though nausea and vomiting are normal symptoms and can be caused by other medical conditions. But it can also be a sign of Endometriosis.
Painful bowels
Endometriosis can also affect the bowels in the abdomen and pelvis region and can be differentiated into superficial or deep Endometriosis.
Bowel Endometriosis symptoms may include constipation, diarrhea, and difficult and painful bowels.
Further, some Bowel Endometriosis can cause the following symptoms:
- Pelvic pain during sexual intercourse
- Rectal bleeding
- Pain in opening the bowel, also called Dyschezia
The condition involves a single deep nodule larger than 1 cm, infiltrating the muscular layer and surrounding structures.
Painful breathing
The thoracic cavity (the space in the chest containing lungs, heart, and blood vessels) is one of the most common sites of Endometriosis outside the abdomen or pelvic area.
Diaphragmatic Endometriosis symptoms can show signs such as pain in the upper abdominal region, pain under the lower ribs, painful breathing, and nausea.
Pain in buttocks and legs
Sciatica Endometriosis is a rare condition in which the Endometrial tissue invades or compresses the lumbosacral plexus (a network of nerve fibers to supply the bladder and lower extremities) and causes Sciatica pain.
Sciatica Endometriosis symptoms can cause pain in the buttocks, legs, lower back, and hips.
Further, the pain may be associated with muscle weakness, sensory loss, and changes in the reflexes.
Umbilical symptoms
Primary Umbilical Endometriosis can be understood as the presence of Endometriosis-like tissue within the umbilicus (navel or belly button).
The typical clinical presentation of the condition involves the presence of a bluish-purple nodule in the umbilicus.
It gets swollen and bleeds during the menstrual period, causing pain.
When to see a healthcare practitioner
As mentioned earlier, Endometriosis can develop in the various regions of the body, and varied symptoms can be seen in women.
Women with intense and crippling period pain should not consider it normal. Rather, they must consult a healthcare practitioner to seek treatment.
Also, rectal bleeding, pain during sex, and breathing problems must be investigated promptly with a diagnosis of the underlying causes.
Further, if someone in a woman’s close relative has had Endometriosis, she must get a routine examination, as Endometriosis runs in the family.
Conclusion
Endometriosis is a long-term condition characterized by the growth of uterine-like tissues outside the uterine cavity.
The condition shows various symptoms in the pelvic region and throughout the body, which can help people suspect if they have Endometriosis.
It can develop in various body regions, including ovaries, fallopian tubes, etc.
The signs of Endometriosis include intense and painful periods, urination problems, and, in some cases, infertility.
Endometriosis symptoms may also include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, painful bowels, painful breathing, and pain in the buttocks and legs.
Further, Endometriosis can develop within the umbilicus in rare cases through nodules that swell and bleed during periods.
The symptoms of Endometriosis can be severe and cause huge pain and discomfort in women.
Women should consult a healthcare practitioner and seek medical attention to avoid delay in treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest signs of Endometriosis?
The biggest signs of Endometriosis are the symptoms during monthly periods. Endometriosis causes painful periods, which are more intense than normal periods. Further, Endometriosis can cause symptoms such as urinary problems and infertility. It can also cause fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
When do Endometriosis symptoms start?
Many women of reproductive age can experience the symptoms of Endometriosis. Women between the ages of 15 and 44 can primarily experience Endometriosis symptoms during the monthly periods. Some symptoms include urination problems, heavy bleeding, painful periods, infertility, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.
How can I check myself for Endometriosis?
You can check yourself by noticing Endometriosis symptoms, common in women with this condition. The symptoms include painful and heavy periods, painful urination, blood in urine, and changes in urine frequency. It can also cause infertility, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Further, it can cause painful bowels and breathing.
What are the early signs of Endometriosis?
The early signs of Endometriosis involve painful and heavy periods. Further, painful urination, blood in urine, painful breathing, bowels, and pain in the buttocks and legs are some symptoms experienced in women. Consult a healthcare practitioner to seek medical treatment.
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