Signs You May Have Endometriosis
Endometriosis happens when tissue normally found in the uterus grows in other parts of the body. It may attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the exterior of the uterus, the bowels, or other internal parts.
As hormones change during the menstrual cycle, this tissue breaks down and may cause pain around the time of your period resulting in long term painful adhesion or scar tissue.
More than 5.5 million American women have symptoms of endometriosis.
Symptoms
Pain just before, during, or after menstruation is the most common symptom. For some women, this pain may be disabling and may happen during or after sex, or during bowel movements or urination. It sometimes causes ongoing pain in the pelvis and lower back. Many women with endometriosis have mild or no symptoms. The symptoms may be related to the location of the growths.
Just Cramps or Endometriosis?
Most women have some mild pain with their menstrual periods. They may get relief from over -the-counter pain medications. If the pain lasts more than two days, keep you from doing normal activities, or remains after your period is over, tell your doctor.
Endometriosis and Teens
Endometriosis pain can begin with the first menstrual period. If your menstrual is strong enough to interfere with activities, you should consult your physician. The first step may be tracking the symptoms and taking pain medication, but ultimately the treatment options are the same for as for adults.
Endometriosis and Infertility
Sometimes the first - or only- symptom of endometriosis is trouble getting pregnant. Infertility affects about a third of women with the condition, for reasons that aren't well understood. Scarring may be to blame. The good news is that medical treatments can help someone overcome infertility, and pregnancy itself can relieve some symptoms of endometriosis.
Endometriosis or Fibroids?
Endometriosis is one cause of severe pain. But the pain can be caused by another condition, such as fibroids, which are noncancerous growths of the muscle tissue of the uterus Fibroids can cause severe cramps and heavier bleeding during your period. The pain of endometriosis or fibroids van also flare up at other times of the month.
Diagnosis: Pelvic Exam
A doctor will do a pelvic exam to check your ovaries, uterus, and cervix for anything unusual. An exam can sometimes reveal an ovarian cyst or internal scarring
that may be due to endometriosis. The doctor also looks for other pelvic conditions that could cause symptoms similar to endometriosis.
Credit: WebMD
Endometriosis happens when tissue normally found in the uterus grows in other parts of the body. It may attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the exterior of the uterus, the bowels, or other internal parts.
As hormones change during the menstrual cycle, this tissue breaks down and may cause pain around the time of your period resulting in long term painful adhesion or scar tissue.
More than 5.5 million American women have symptoms of endometriosis.
Symptoms
Pain just before, during, or after menstruation is the most common symptom. For some women, this pain may be disabling and may happen during or after sex, or during bowel movements or urination. It sometimes causes ongoing pain in the pelvis and lower back. Many women with endometriosis have mild or no symptoms. The symptoms may be related to the location of the growths.
Just Cramps or Endometriosis?
Most women have some mild pain with their menstrual periods. They may get relief from over -the-counter pain medications. If the pain lasts more than two days, keep you from doing normal activities, or remains after your period is over, tell your doctor.
Endometriosis and Teens
Endometriosis pain can begin with the first menstrual period. If your menstrual is strong enough to interfere with activities, you should consult your physician. The first step may be tracking the symptoms and taking pain medication, but ultimately the treatment options are the same for as for adults.
Endometriosis and Infertility
Sometimes the first - or only- symptom of endometriosis is trouble getting pregnant. Infertility affects about a third of women with the condition, for reasons that aren't well understood. Scarring may be to blame. The good news is that medical treatments can help someone overcome infertility, and pregnancy itself can relieve some symptoms of endometriosis.
Endometriosis or Fibroids?
Endometriosis is one cause of severe pain. But the pain can be caused by another condition, such as fibroids, which are noncancerous growths of the muscle tissue of the uterus Fibroids can cause severe cramps and heavier bleeding during your period. The pain of endometriosis or fibroids van also flare up at other times of the month.
Diagnosis: Pelvic Exam
A doctor will do a pelvic exam to check your ovaries, uterus, and cervix for anything unusual. An exam can sometimes reveal an ovarian cyst or internal scarring
that may be due to endometriosis. The doctor also looks for other pelvic conditions that could cause symptoms similar to endometriosis.
Credit: WebMD