4 Subtle Signs of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining forms outside the uterus. These abnormal tissue growths are called endometrial implants. 

It sounds unusual, but it’s surprisingly common. In fact, endometriosis affects millions of women — 11% or more, according to data from the Office of Women’s Health. 

Yet despite its prevalence, it often goes undiagnosed for years. That’s because its symptoms can be subtle, often mistaken for routine menstrual discomfort or dismissed as stress-related. 

As a result, many women are left to “deal with” their symptoms without realizing there’s an underlying cause or knowing about treatment options that can help. 

While abnormal periods are a relatively well-known symptom of endometriosis, it’s important to know the other signs and symptoms associated with the condition, so you can seek treatment as soon as possible. 

In this post, our team at Feminine Urgicare reviews four subtle signs of endometriosis that should never be ignored.

1. Painful periods that worsen over time

Cramping during your period is common. In fact, most women experience some level of discomfort during menstruation. If you have endometriosis, that discomfort can be more severe and worsen over time.

If your periods have become increasingly painful over the years, that’s a symptom that’s worth paying attention to,  especially if “home remedies” like heating pads or over-the-counter medications no longer provide relief.

Painful symptoms can even begin before your period starts, or they might crop up during ovulation. Depending on how endometriosis is affecting your body, you might have pain in areas outside your lower belly, like your lower back or legs. 

Severe or worsening period pain isn’t simply “part of being a woman.” It’s not normal, and it should definitely be medically evaluated.

2. Pain during or after intercourse

Pain during intercourse is another symptom related to endometriosis. Depending on where the endometrial implants form, penetration during intercourse can trigger significant pelvic pain during sex.

Because this symptom can feel embarrassing to discuss, many women don’t bother to mention it to their doctor. However, any type of persistent or worsening pain during intimacy deserves a medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and find a treatment.

3. Bowel or bladder changes during your period

Growths can form in other areas, including near your bowel or bladder. When that happens, you can develop changes in urination or bowel habits. These changes can be difficult to relate to endometriosis, at least initially.

Specifically, endometrial implants near your bowel or rectum can cause significant pain during bowel movements, sometimes alongside recurrent or chronic diarrhea or constipation. 

When implants form near the bladder or on the bladder wall, you might experience symptoms like a frequent or urgent need to urinate or pain or burning sensations during urination. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they worsen during your period, that pattern is an important clue that’s definitely worth discussing with our team.

4. Difficulty getting pregnant

Some women don’t become aware of endometriosis until they have trouble conceiving. In fact, endometriosis is estimated to be involved in as many as a third of infertility cases. 

Scar tissue and inflammation associated with endometriosis can take a toll on the quality of your eggs or your ovulation cycle. In some cases, scar tissue or swelling can interfere with sperm movement.

Even mild endometriosis can affect fertility. If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, especially if you also have painful periods, pelvic pain, or other symptoms discussed in this post, it’s time to schedule an appointment so we can perform a comprehensive evaluation.

Don’t ignore your symptoms

Endometriosis is common, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to spot it on your own. If you have any unusual symptoms associated with your menstrual cycle, scheduling an office visit is an important step in figuring out why.

To find out what’s causing your symptoms, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Feminine Urgicare in Paramus and Clifton, New Jersey, today.