ENDOMETRIOSIS: FIVE SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE IT

This week marks a week dedicated to raising awareness around a condition that affects many women at some level, Endometriosis. 

From time to time, every woman suffers from painful cramps or other side effects during their menstrual cycles. However, according to health.com, around 10% of women of childbearing age have more severe problems caused by Endometriosis. 

Let’s get a bit educated… Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus (called Endometrial Tissue) makes its way outside the uterus and adheres to the bladder, fallopian tubes or bowels.(Sounds painful, right? Well it is!) At certain times during the menstrual cycle this tissue swells and can cause pain and other effects. 

So, how do you know if you’re suffering from Endometriosis? Consider these five common symptoms of this painful disorder when vetting yourself.

1. Painful, Heavy and/or Long Periods - Your period may not be a favorite time of the month. However, if you find that you’re dealing with severe cramping or your period causes you to soak through your tampon or pad or your period drags on seven days or longer, Endometriosis could be to blame.
2. Nausea and Fatigue - While feeling “less than 100%” during your period is common, severe nausea and fatigue is often the sign of Endometriosis. If you battle to get through the day during your cycle, it may be time to look to your doctor to see if there are any solutions.
3. Pain During Sex - Painful sex is NOT normal and you shouldn't have to just "deal with it." If you feel that sex is more painful that it should be, there could be something else afoot--such as Endometriosis. Luckily, when you get your Endometriosis under control you should be able to enjoy sex without pain.
4. Unexplained Pain From Urination or Bowel Movements - Because the Endometrial Tissue can attach to the bowels or bladder, pain during bowel movements or urination is not at all uncommon. If you’re experiencing pain when you go to the restroom, it is important to get to the root of the problem.
5. Infertility - Many women discover they have Endometriosis when they attempt to get pregnant and struggle. Infertility is a common side effect of endometriosis and many patients who get treatment for their Endometriosis find that it becomes easier to get pregnant.

While these five issues can be signs of Endometriosis, they are also sometimes signifiers of other disorders too. If you suspect Endometriosis may be an issue for you, we suggest you reach out to your health provider to undergo the right screenings.