- Pain during menstruation (Period pain).
- Pain during intercourse (Sex).
- Pain on ovulation i.e. approximately half way through the cycle when the egg is released.
- Pain during the whole menstrual cycle.
- Pain starting before the period.
Infertility – this can occur in 30 – 40% of women with endometriosis. In 6 – 15% of women it can be the primary cause of infertility.
Infertility is caused by the adhesions - bands of scar like tissue that form between tissues within the body. These can block the ovaries from releasing an egg. Alternatively the adhesions may block the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from travelling to the womb. This can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Menstrual/Bleeding problems – these can include some or all of the following:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding with or without blood clots.
- Prolonged menstrual bleeding.
- Pre-menstrual spotting.
- Irregular periods.
- Loss of dark/old blood before or at the end of menstruation.
Bowel and Bladder problems – these can include some or all of the following:
- Painful bowel movements.
- Pain before and after opening the bowels.
- Bleeding from the bowels.
- Symptoms of irritable bowel – diarrhoea, constipation and colic -spasmodic griping pain.
- Pain when passing urine.
- Pain before or after passing urine.
Other Symptoms
- Tiredness (lethargy) can occur and this can be quite severe, particularly at the time of menstruation.
Many women accept these symptoms as part of the menstrual cycle and do not like to bother the doctor.
The symptoms described may also be related to other disorders.
Diagnosis can take a long time (up-to 8 years) and involve many investigations.
It is therefore important to seek medical advice if you suffer from any of these symptoms and are concerned. |
Diagnosis of endometriosis
Internal examinations and blood tests do not lead to a definitive diagnosis.
Endometriosis can only be confirmed by laparoscopy, which requires day surgery. This involves the insertion of a small camera device (a laparoscope) into the abdomen via a small cut near the navel. This allows the doctor to see if and where there are any endometrial implants or cysts.
Occasionally diagnosis requires a laparotomy. This involves an operation, when a cut is made in the abdomen to allow any endometrial tissue to be seen.