Endometriosis is one of those conditions which is common but still difficult to diagnose. There is a wide range of symptoms, some of which are common and others which may go under the radar. This leaves women wondering about the potentially far-reaching effects of endometriosis and whether endometriosis can make you feel generally unwell. Each woman has her own experience with the condition, the side effects are often painful and debilitating, but other women may experience less obvious symptoms. Let’s discuss the common signs and those which may be overlooked.
Common Endometriosis Symptoms
The most obvious markers of reproductive and sexual health issues are intense period pain, non-cyclical pelvic pain, very heavy or long periods, bleeding between periods, painful sex as well as potential painful bowel actions, rectal bleeding, painful urination, reduced fertility and fatigue.
These symptoms can be so severe that they don’t respond to painkillers and often get in the way of everyday activities. Endometriosis is caused by tissue similar to that which lines the uterus growing outside of the uterus. This ectopic tissue can cause scarring, adhesions, and inflammation in and around the reproductive organs. This scarring may make it difficult to conceive and worsen period pain.
Overlooked Endometriosis Symptoms
Endometriosis can grow beyond the reproductive organs throughout the pelvis, affecting other organs. Other symptoms may be less common or less obvious. Nevertheless, these symptoms should be taken seriously when experienced for an extended period, regardless of the source of the condition.
Fatigue
It’s common for women with endometriosis to experience extreme fatigue, even when getting enough sleep. Fatigue may be caused by discomfort, stress, and chronic pain. The effects of fatigue are far-reaching. It can impact your productivity at work, family and social life, mental health, and quality of life. Constant fatigue is a symptom which leaves you feeling generally unwell.
Digestive issues
Digestive issues are often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, but they can be linked to endometriosis too. Bloating, also known as endo belly, constipation, diarrhoea, and painful bowel movements could be linked to endometriosis, especially if it has spread to these areas.
Painful Urination
As endometriosis can spread throughout the pelvic region, women may also struggle with bladder pain, painful urination, and frequent urination.
Nausea
Many women experience nausea during or before their period, but it can also be a symptom of endometriosis. In such instances, it may worsen during menstruation; this could be linked to the presence of endometriosis in the gastrointestinal tract.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is common and not always linked to endometriosis. For women who do have endometriosis, however, it is typically worsened during menstruation.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for a prolonged period, something may be wrong. Your doctor will examine you and should then arrange a ‘deep endometriosis’ ultrasound at OMNI Ultrasound so that they can reach a diagnosis and form a suitable treatment plan (please note that ultrasound can routinely pick up endometriomas, adenomyosis, deep endometriosis but can miss superficial endometriosis). If they conclude that you have endometriosis, they will suggest lifestyle changes, hormone-based treatments, and/or surgery depending on your symptoms, your quality of life, your ability to work, your fertility plans and most importantly your treatment goals. If you think you have endometriosis, ask for a referral or contact a specialist healthcare centre, such as Sydney Endometriosis.
Sydney Endometriosis’ multi-disciplinary team of experienced experts will individualise your treatment plan using a multi-modal approach.
