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Common signs of endometriosis
Endometriosis affects around 10% of women in the UK, yet many live with its impact without realising. Because the symptoms of endometriosis often resemble common period pain, it can be easy to overlook the signs of endometriosis or mistake them for something less serious.
Unfortunately, many people remain unaware they have this condition, with an average diagnosis time of around eight years. Recognising the key endometriosis symptoms and signs early on is essential to getting the right treatment and support.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those found in the lining of the uterus grow outside of it, commonly in the pelvis. The condition can also be found in the ovaries and other pelvic organs, like the bowel or bladder. In very rare cases, endometriosis can be found in other parts of the body, such as the brain, lungs and skin.
The cause of this condition is unknown and can lead to severe pelvic pain during periods, though some individuals may experience no symptoms at all.
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Stages of endometriosis
Endometriosis has four stages, which are characterised by the location, size, and depth of the tissues growing outside the uterus.
Stage one – minimal: This is when you have small spots of endometriosis that cause inflammation in or around the pelvic cavity.
Stage two – mild: Symptoms involve light lesions and shallow implants of endometriosis that develop on the ovary and pelvic lining.
Stage three – moderate: This stage involves implants that are deeply embedded in the ovaries and on the pelvic lining.
Stage four – severe: This is the most advanced stage of endometriosis. It involves deep implants on the pelvic lining and ovaries and depending on the patient’s diagnosis, there may also be lesions on the fallopian tubes and bowels.
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What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary from moderate to severe, often causing significant pain, especially during menstrual periods. Common signs of endometriosis include:
Pelvic pain: The most frequent symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often linked to menstrual cycles. This pain and cramping can vary in intensity and may worsen over time.
Painful intercourse: Many individuals experience discomfort during or after sex, which often becomes more severe during their period when the endometrial tissue is inflamed.
Pain with bowel movements or urination: Endometrial cells growing on the bladder or bowel can cause symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as constipation, diarrhoea, and bloating. This can also lead to an overactive bladder in some cases.
Excessive bleeding: Heavy menstrual bleeding and passing clots are common. As the endometrial tissue grows, bleeding may increase.
Leg and pelvic pain: Growth of abnormal tissue can press on pelvic nerves, causing pain in the pelvis and legs. In severe cases, this pain can make walking difficult.
Persistent exhaustion: Fatigue affects nearly half of those with endometriosis, often accompanied by insomnia, depression, or stress. This tiredness may be linked to inflammation activating the immune system.
Spotting between periods: Light bleeding or spotting that lasts for two or more days between periods can be caused by additional endometrial tissue growth or polyps.
Coughing blood: In rare and severe cases, endometriosis affecting the lungs may cause coughing up blood, but this is extremely uncommon.
Talk to an expert
If you have any questions about endometriosis or if you're concerned about your fertility, our friendly patient support team is here to provide the support and guidance you need.
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Reviewed by Justin Chu, Medical Director at TFP Oxford Fertility.
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