Symptoms of Endometriosis

Some women with endometriosis have no symptoms. But for many others, endometriosis can cause severe pain that interferes with activities of daily living. Endometriosis can also lead to other distressing conditions such as infertility, adhesions and scar tissue that entraps the reproductive organs.

Symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Focal pelvic tenderness
• Chronic Fatigue
• Premenstrual spotting
• Heavy periods
• Infertility
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Repeated miscarriages
• Dymenorrhea (increasingly painful periods)
• Painful and difficult urination during periods
• Painful bowel movements during periods
• Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
• Extensive allergies and related problems
• Low resistance to infection

Many patients suffering from endometriosis experience painful intercourse. This can be an important clue to your doctor/nurse in diagnosing your condition. If you are experiencing painful intercourse it is important that you mention this to your doctor/nurse even if they do not ask about it specifically.

In addition to the physical symptoms, women with endometriosis can also experience emotional problems such as depression and poor self-image. The combination of physical and emotional symptoms can stress relationships to the breaking point.