Endometriosis Health Center
Endometriosis - When To Call a Doctor
Call a doctor immediately if you develop sudden, severe pelvic pain.
Call a doctor to schedule an appointment if:
Endometriosis and Fallopian Tube Problems
Endometriosis is a common and painful disease that affects about 5.5 million women in North America and is one of the top three causes of infertility in women. During a normal cycle, the lining of your uterus -- called the endometrium -- begins to thicken in preparation for becoming pregnant. If you don't become pregnant that month, your body sheds the endometrium during menstruation and the process starts over. In endometriosis, for reasons that doctors don't entirely understand, tissue very...
Read the Endometriosis and Fallopian Tube Problems article > >
- Your periods have changed from relatively pain-free to painful.
- Pain interferes with your daily activities.
- You begin to have pain during intercourse.
- You have painful urination, blood in your urine, or an inability to control the flow of urine.
- You have blood in your stool or a significant, unexplained change in your bowel movements.
- You are not able to become pregnant after trying for 12 months.
Watchful Waiting
If you have mild pain during your period but have no other symptoms or concerns, you can wait through several menstrual cycles. Then at your next routine visit with your doctor, you can discuss your pain. Home treatment may be all that you need to relieve mild pain.
Who To See
Health professionals who can evaluate endometriosis and help you manage the pain include:
If your case is complicated or your main problem is infertility, you may be referred to:
For diagnosis with laparoscopy or for surgical treatment, you may be referred to a gynecologist.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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