Understanding Endometriosis -- Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?
Endometriosis symptoms vary, and some women have no symptoms.
Pain and infertility are the most common symptoms. In women who are able to conceive, symptoms may get better during pregnancy, but they may return after having the baby.
Understanding Endometriosis -- Prevention
There is no way to prevent endometriosis. But there are several things that raise your risk of developing it: Having a close relative with endometriosis, especially a mother or a sister. Having a short menstrual cycle -- less than 25 days. Having menstrual flow lasting more than a week. Having heavy flow. Having medical condition that blocks or constricts your cervix or vagina. Having a birth defect of the uterus, such as a double uterus or a double cervix.
Read the Understanding Endometriosis -- Prevention article > >
Here are other symptoms:
- Irregular periods. In 15%-20% of cases there is premenstrual spotting.
- Periods that are unusually heavy, especially if they produce large clots and last more than seven days.
- Pain that gets worse during your period.
- Pain during sex.
- Chronic pelvic pain (pain lasting over six months).
- Bloating, cramping, and changes in bowel movements.
Call Your Doctor About Endometriosis If:
Call your doctor if you think you have endometriosis.
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