Women! Could you have endometriosis? Check for these symptoms.

This condition can cause pain during menstruation and even fertility problems.

SUMMARY: Endometriosis is a painful disorder in women where the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. Find out if you have the symptoms of this condition.

Endometriosis is a disorder that occurs in women of childbearing age where the tissue that is normally found on the inside of the uterus (called the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. This tissue growth can occur on the Fallopian tubes, ovaries, and on the tissue that lines the pelvis. Occasionally, the endometrial tissue can grow on organs outside the pelvis.

Common symptoms

The most common symptoms and signs of endometriosis are:

• Painful periods
  You could experience cramping and pelvic pain starting a few days before your period starts and during your period. Your back and abdomen may also hurt.
• Pain with urinating or bowel movements
  Pain during urinating or having a bowel movement would be most likely during your period.
• Pain during sex
  Pain during sexual intercourse is a common symptom for women with endometriosis.
• Excessive bleeding during and between periods
  You may have heavy periods as well as bleeding between periods
• Infertility
  Some women are first diagnosed with endometriosis while undergoing fertility treatment.

Other symptoms

These other symptoms may occur in women with endometriosis, especially during their periods:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Fatigue

What to do if you think you have endometriosis

The first step to treating endometriosis is to have it properly diagnosed. Visit your doctor if you have any of the symptoms and signs described in this article. With proper care, endometriosis can be managed.

FROM THE HHN EDITORS:
March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month so this is a good time to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this disorder. We recommend speaking with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms or signs because endometriosis can mimic other disorders such as ovarian cysts or be mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome. Your doctor may use tests such as a pelvic exam, laparascopy, or ultrasound to make a proper diagnosis.

Source: Mayo Clinic