Endometriosis is a quite common condition that affects many women all over the world. In many cases, it develops asymptomatically which leads to the late diagnosis and more complicated treatment. You should also know that endometriosis most often affects women in their 30s. The most common causes of endometriosis include heredity, pelvic or uterine surgery, and immunodeficiency.

Endometriosis is a condition in which the uterine lining called endometrium starts to overgrow. It means that the endometrium cells begin to spread on the neighboring organs. Most often, endometriosis affects fallopian tubes and ovaries. However, it can also affect other pelvic organs. In this article, we gathered four symptoms of endometriosis you should know.

1. Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain is considered one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. Women who suffer from this condition, report that pelvic pain usually intensifies before periods. However, painful sensations can occur at any time throughout the menstrual cycle. 

Pelvic pain with endometriosis occurs because the endometrium grows on other organs. When you walk, urinate, or even sit in a certain position, it can prevent organs to move properly and cause sharp pain. When endometriosis affects intestines, you can also experience painful sensations during bowel movements. You should also know that if endometriosis significantly affected your pelvic area, your organs can be attached to each other.

2. Pain during sex

Due to the fact that the endometrium can grow on other organs, it can also cause pain during sex. If you have an advanced stage of endometriosis, even the lightest frictions can move pelvic organs that makes them hurt. If you have noticed that sex ceased to be pleasant for you and turned into torture, you should visit the gynecologist. Moreover, if you are planning to get pregnant in the nearest future, endometriosis can also interfere with your plans.

3. Prolonged and painful periods

If you suddenly start to experience severe pain during periods and the duration of menstruation significantly increases, it’s high time to make an appointment with the gynecologist. The reality is that endometriosis is the condition that can cause these unpleasant symptoms.

You should know that the endometrium tends to shed during periods. Even if this tissue is growing on other organs, it still sheds. This leads to that blood and tissue parts can’t exit the pelvic area. That’s why you can experience severe pain. Moreover, when there is an excessive amount of endometrium, your uterus needs more time and effort to get rid of it. This makes your periods more severe and long. 

4. Fertility issues

Endometriosis is considered one of the most common causes of fertility issues. Taking into account the fact that it mostly affects young women, problems with conception can become a disaster. If the endometrial tissue grows on the ovaries, it prevents the egg release. When endometriosis affects fallopian tubes, it blocks them and doesn’t let the sperm to fertilize the egg.

Moreover, if you experience pain during intercourse, you may also refuse to have sex. That’s why it is essential to visit a doctor in the case of pelvic pain during sex. Timely and proper endometriosis treatment can help you get pregnant and become happy parents. 

The bottom line

Endometriosis is a quite dangerous condition. If you were diagnosed with this condition, you should always monitor its development in order to avoid further complications. In case you have noticed endometriosis advancement, you should undergo a proper treatment as soon as possible. There are two common treatment options like medication and surgery. Your doctor will help to choose the most appropriate option depending on the stage of the disease and the affected area.