Symptoms of Endometriosis

June 17, 2004

Fibroids & Endometriosis

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Endometriosis can present with a wide variety of

symptoms. The types of symptoms and degree of severity depend on

where the implants are located. Interestingly, 30 percent of women

with endometriosis experience no symptoms at all and find out only

incidentally that they have the problem. The other 70 percent of

affected women can find endometriosis quite disabling, experiencing

severe and recurrent symptoms. The most common symptoms are described

in the following paragraphs.

Menstrual Cramps and Pain. About 60 percent

of women with endometriosis suffer from progressively worsening

menstrual cramps. Chronic pelvic pain is caused by bleeding from

the implants, adhesions, and inflammation of the affected areas.

Some women also suffer from pain at ovulation.

Infertility. Studies have shown that about

30 percent of women with endometriosis are unable to conceive. It

can cause infertility by scarring and obstructing the fallopian

tubes so they cannot pick up the egg, or by scarring the ovaries

so that they cannot produce the egg.

Abnormal bleeding. Abnormal bleeding, including

premenstrual spotting and excessive menstrual flow, occurs in approximately

30 percent of all women with endometriosis. This occurs because

progesterone levels are not present at normal levels. Menstrual

cycles may also be irregular.

Rectal and Bladder involvement. Endometrial

implants that invade the bowel can cause constipation, painful bowel

movements, and rectal bleeding. If endometriosis invades the bladder,

symptoms such as urinary frequency, pain during urination, and blood

in the urine during menstruation may be present.

Endometrial cysts. These cysts, also called

chocolate cysts, are filled with old blood and endometrial cells.

They trend to grow fast and leak blood, causing great pain.

Read More on Fibroids & Endometriosis:

Getting Started

What Are Fibroids?

Symptoms of Fibroids

Checklist of Risk Factors and Symptoms

for Fibroids

What is Endometriosis?

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Keep it SIMPLE tip — Herbal Tea for Fibroids and

Endometriosis

Nutritional Therapies

Diet for Fibroids and Endometriosis

Supplements and Herbs for Fibroids and Endometriosis

Complementary Therapies

Healing Meditation

Affirmations for Healing