Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside the uterus and elsewhere in the body. These are called endometriosis lesions and they are typically found on the fallopian tubes, on the ovaries, on the pelvic sidewall, and on the area between the vagina and rectum. Endometriosis can also be found on the bladder, bowel, intestines, colon, appendix, and rectum. In rare cases, endometriosis has been found inside the vagina, inside the bladder, on the skin, even in the lung, spine, and brain.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain that often appears around the time the menstrual cycle is due, but not always. Women can also experience pain from endometriosis at other times of the month.
For some women, the pain can be so severe that it is debilitating and affects their daily living in major ways.
The pain from endometriosis may be felt:
- Before, during and/or after menstruation
- During ovulation
- In the bowel during menstruation
- When urinating
- During/after sexual intercourse
- In the lower back
Other symptoms of endometriosis may include:
- Fatigue
- Heavy or irregular bleeding
- Abdominal bleeding in connection with the menstrual cycle
- Diarrhea or constipation in connection with the menstrual cycle.
A devastating symptom of endometriosis for many women is infertility. Approximately 30% – 40% of women with endometriosis are infertile.
Illness endometriosis can be misdiagnosed as…
Endometriosis can be misdiagnosed for a bladder disease known as Interstitial Cystitis because the symptoms can be similar between the two.
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