Endometriosis Health Center
Understanding Endometriosis -- Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?
Endometriosis symptoms vary, and some women have no noticeable symptoms at all. The clinical presentation of endometriosis is presence of pain and/or infertility. In women who are able to conceive, symptoms may diminish or disappear during pregnancy, but they may return after delivery.
Here are other symptoms:
Understanding Endometriosis -- Prevention
Because the causes of endometriosis are unclear, there are no known ways to prevent it. But doctors understand there are several things that raise your risk of developing endometriosis: You have a close relative with endometriosis, especially a mother or a sister; women with an affected mother or sister are seven to 10 times more likely to develop endometriosis. Your menstrual cycle is consistently short -- less than 25 days. Your menstrual flow during each period is long -- lasting more...
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- Menstrual irregularities; in 15%-20% of cases there is premenstrual spotting.
- Menstrual periods that are abnormally heavy, especially if they produce large clots and last more than seven days.
- Pelvic pain that may or may not be associated with menstrual periods.
- Pain can be primarily period related with premenstrual intensification (dysmenorrhea).
- Pain with intercourse (dyspareunia).
- Chronic pelvic pain (pain lasting over six months).
- Infertility.
- Gastrointestinal involvement: bloating, crampy abdominal pain, change in bowel habit.
Call Your Doctor About Endometriosis If:
Call your doctor if you suspect you are suffering from endometriosis; a proper diagnosis is essential to treatment.
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