What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus.
Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. Rarely, endometrial tissue may spread beyond pelvic organs.
Endometriosis can cause pain — sometimes severe — especially during menstrual periods. Fertility problems also may develop.
Fortunately, effective treatments are available.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods.
Although many experience cramping during their menstrual periods, those with endometriosis typically describe menstrual pain that's far worse than usual. Pain also may increase over time.
Common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea). .
- Pain during or after sex is common with endometriosis.
- Pain with bowel movements or urination.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Infertility.
- Fatigue.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Bloating or nausea.
The severity of your pain isn't necessarily a reliable indicator of the extent of the condition. You could have mild endometriosis with severe pain, or you could have advanced endometriosis with little or no pain.
Endometriosis is sometimes mistaken for other conditions that can cause pelvic pain, such as:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Ovarian cysts.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that may indicate endometriosis. An early understanding of your diagnosis may result in better management of your symptoms.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656
