Signs that You May Have Endometriosis

I have suffered with endometriosis for years. With each child it has either subsided for a while or reared it's ugly head even worse. Getting solid and understandable information about it can be a challenging, time consuming and confusing task! Here's a little bit of what the medical community says about this condition. Please keep in mind that it is intended to inform not prescribe and that there are other theories out there about endometriosis - it's causes and treatments.

Endometriosis is a common, but not well known condition that can occur in menstruating women. While symptoms normally start out mild, they can become severe and even lead to infertility. This is why it’s so important for all women who get their period to understand what this disease is and how to spot it. That way, it can be diagnosed and treated before the damage is too extensive.

Every month, menstruating women develop a layer of endometrial cells inside their uterus. In women with endrometriosis, for reasons that aren’t entirely clear, these cells grow up and outside the uterus as well as inside.

When a woman has her period, these endometrial cells leave the body, but if they are not inside the uterus, they have no way to escape. These cells can grow on, into, and between the uterus, ovaries, bowels, and bladder. Very rarely the growths can spread even further, which is much more serious. The most common location or these growths is on the ovaries.

The problem with endometriosis is that many women don’t have any symptoms, or the symptoms remain so mild that their condition is not detected for many years. That’s why it’s important to have regular pelvic exams. While pain and infertility are the easiest ways to realize you have endometriosis, your doctor may also be able to catch it during routine examinations.

The most common symptoms are:

* Painful menstrual cramps that worsen with time. While you may have cramps when you first start getting your period, they should worsen with endometriosis due to the growth that usually occurs with each cycle.
* Persistent pain in the back or lower abdomen.
* Pain during sexual intercourse, urination, or bowel movements. These symptoms are more likely during menstruation.
* Heavy periods, short menstrual cycle (less than 27 days), and spotting between cycles. Because this is considered the cause of endometriosis, this should start before any other symptoms appear and often occurs as soon as you start getting your period. Many women with endometriosis also started getting their period at an early age.
* Infertility. Many women don’t discover they have endometriosis until they see a fertility specialist because they have been unsuccessful at conceiving.
* Fatigue. This may be mild or more severe.

If you have some or all of these symptoms, it’s important for you to talk to a doctor right away. Because symptoms come on slowly or are nonexistent, it may take a while to recognize what’s wrong and can keep you from being treated. Also, many of these symptoms are associated with other potentially serious problems. Your doctor can help you sort out your symptoms and receive proper treatment.