Endometriosis affects ~ 10% of women, and sadly many women are undiagnosed despite its prevalence. Considering this statistic, it’s become apparent that there are many symptoms that go unnoticed or misdiagnosed. As a result, it also takes Australian women up to eight years from the onset of their symptoms to get an accurate diagnosis. There are a number of reasons for this; among them are medical gender bias and the social stigma around women’s reproductive and sexual health. Doctors are gaining a better understanding of the disease, so we now know some of the commonly overlooked symptoms of endometriosis.
What Endometriosis Is and How It Affects Women’s Bodies
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue, which is similar to the tissue which lines the uterus, grows outside of the womb. When this tissue grows elsewhere in the pelvic area, it can cause scarring and adhesions. Organs are supposed to be independent of each other. However, these adhesions can cause them to stick together. As a result, women experience a range of symptoms that at first may appear normal or can be attributed to other factors and are thus overlooked. This is partly owing to the normalisation of pain by doctors and society.
The Many Symptoms of Endometriosis
With endometriosis affecting the entire pelvic region, there are so many symptoms that are overlooked.
Common endometriosis symptoms:
Painful periods –when the pain doesn’t respond to medication and it impacts your ability to work and function as usual, it may be a symptom of endometriosis.
Painful sex – occasional pain may be attributed to deep thrusting into your cervix or ovaries, but routine pain with sex may indicate endometriosis in the pelvis.
Abnormal periods – heavy periods which extend beyond seven days may be a symptom of endometriosis.
Reduced fertility – many women may have little to no symptoms, but reduced fertility is a potential symptom of endometriosis.
Overlooked endometriosis symptoms:
Fatigue – if you are tired despite getting a reasonable amount of sleep, it may be due to the chronic pain, stress, and discomfort to which you have become accustomed.
Bloating – commonly referred to as ‘endo belly’, is the bloating caused by endometriosis which is more than a bump from a heavy meal. It can be so extreme as to cause a woman to appear pregnant and the skin to be stretched taught over the area.
Lower back, abdomen, and groin pain – you may experience sharp or dull pain; this is because the nerves in your deep pelvis overlap with those in your lower back, groin, and abdomen. The pain may even spread to the legs.
Painful bowel or urinary disorders – when endometriosis spreads throughout the lower abdomen, it can affects the bladder and even the bowel. This can result in painful urination and bowel movements.
Sydney Endometriosis is staffed by a team of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals who meet the highest international standards in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. For assistance in dealing with your symptoms or gaining a diagnosis, contact Sydney Endometriosis today 02 8071 5345.
