- Endometriosis - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567777/)
About
Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, are the most common symptoms many women experience during their menstrual cycles. These are cramps caused by contractions in the uterus that can last for a few days and often respond to over-the-counter medication or home remedies.
However, for certain women, menstrual pain may pass what is normally accepted and becomes debilitating and affects the quality of her life. Such could be a sign of endometriosis, a chronic and often painful condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
According to the Merck Manual, endometriosis affects about 6% to 10% of women. It is relatively prevalent but often misdiagnosed because its symptoms overlap considerably with other gynaecologic and gastrointestinal conditions. Precise identification of the onset might lead to early diagnoses that can be managed optimally(1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Endometriosis
Go to source).
Did You Know?
Chronic pelvic pain and heavy bleeding could signal endometriosis. Don't ignore the signs! #womenshealth #medindia





Endometriosis Warning Signs Every Woman Should Know
Here are five key signs that your menstrual cramps may indicate endometriosis.
1. Chronic Pain Beyond Your Menstrual Cycle
Normal menstrual cramps cease after the first few days of your period. Endometriosis pain may begin before your period and will continue even after it has ceased. It is not isolated to the pelvic area and can spread to the lower back, abdomen, and thighs. Chronic pelvic pain outside of your cycle is one of the hallmark signs of endometriosis.
Pain from endometriosis may also increase over time due to inflammation and subsequent scarring in the pelvic area. If your pain persists beyond your period or becomes more severe, talk to your healthcare provider.
2. Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
Dyspareunia, especially severe soreness during penetration, is a characteristic feature of the disease called endometriosis. This pain occur because the endometrial-like tissue has the possibility to invade on the vagina wall, uterus or any adjacent structure that is near it thus causing inflammation and tenderness.
Some women just blow it up as a normal part of relationships, while it has far-reaching implications to emotional and physical connection. Sometimes discomfort or pain during or after sex can be a sign of endometriosis and if you’re always in pain, you should see a doctor.
3. Discomfort During Bowel Movements or Urination
Endometriosis can affect organs in the vicinity of the uterus, including the bladder or intestinal or rectal wall. Therefore, you may have some level of discomfort at least when passing stool or urinating especially during your period.
This can include:
- Painful bowel movements.
- Vaginal bleeding during menstruation accompanied by blood in feces or urine.
- Urge incontinence or the feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely.
These symptoms might be attributed to gastrointestinal or urinary problems, but if a woman is suffering from any of these problems cyclically associated with menstruation then she could be suffering from endometriosis.

4. Heavy or Irregular Menstrual Bleeding
Even though, large number of women may experience menorrhagia, which is normal, when combined with severe pain, it may point towards endometriosis. Another symptom that is also present is spotting or bleeding between cycles.
The condition worsens when bleeding is out of control and anemia makes the patient fatigued. It is also normal for women with endometriosis to have clots when they are on their periods though this might be a little scary. It is normally helpful for doctors to know if this is regular for you or an indication of endometriosis based upon your menstrual flow and signs.
5. Difficulty in Conceiving
Infertility is said to be caused by endometriosis in as much as 30- 50% of women who are diagnosed with the disease. Endometriosis may form scar tissue, inflammation or ovarian cysts, endometriomas, which may hinder ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.
If you have trouble getting pregnant and also suffer from chronic pelvic pain or, or you have irregular periods, it may be worth finding out if you may have endometriosis. In case you are diagnosed early and seek medical treatment, you can enhance your chances of conceiving a child and control the problem.
What to Do If You Suspect Endometriosis
If you recognize any of these symptoms do not dismiss them as the new normal. Endometriosis is a degenerative disease which seems to get worse if not well managed. Here are the steps you should take:
1. Consult a Specialist: They can review your symptoms and personal health history to decide whether endometriosis may be the problem.
2. Undergo Diagnostic Tests: Diagnosis can be performed by means of a pelvic exam or ultrasound or MRI. Laparoscopy is considered the gold standard in the diagnosis of endometriosis because it is invasive and biopsies of the tissue can also be performed.
3. Track Your Symptoms: You need to document your pain levels, bleeding experiences, and how they affect your day-to-day functioning in order to provide your doctor with the best shot at properly diagnosing you.
4. Explore Treatment Options: If symptoms are severe, treatment may be in the form of:
- NSAID for symptomatic relief of pain such as fever, headaches or any other type of pain.
- Hormone therapy which can include taking contraceptive pills, or progestins, or use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist.
- Hysterectomy to remove endometrial implants and adhesions especially for severe diseases or patients who are willing to conceive.
5. Adopt Lifestyle Changes: Many of the changes in one’s lifestyle may not heal endometriosis but low impact exercises, appropriate diet, and stress relievers such as yoga or meditation can help in easing some of the symptoms.
Endometriosis is a chronic disease that needs a focus and timely diagnosis. In the case of rawness and throbbing that is chronic or worsening, substantial bleeding, or signs that implicate the rest of the body, do not wait to go to the doctor.
The health of any woman when on her menstrals is important and any irregularity should be addressed. You can live well with endometriosis when you get the necessary care and assistance.