Endometriosis Symptoms

By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

Symptoms of endometriosis vary between individuals. While some women may experience few or no symptoms, they may be severe in other women and significantly impact on the activities of day-to-day living.

Some of the symptoms of endometriosis commonly reported include:

• Painful and heavy periods, called dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia.
• Dull pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, vulva, thighs and lower back. In most women, the type and location of pain varies. Often, the pain originates in-between the hips and upper part of the legs. The pain may be continuous or only present during periods, sexual intercourse or when passing a stool or urinating.
• Pain that occurs during sexual intercourse is called dyspareunia.
• Painful urination, is called dysuria.
• Difficult and painful passing of stools is called dyschezia.
• There may be intermittent bleeding between two menstrual periods.
• Infertility or inability to conceive after one year of regular unprotected intercourse when there are no other causes.
• Rectal bleeding may be seen as well as menstrual bleeding.
• Endometrial tissue present in the rectum or urinary tract can cause an obstruction.
• Endometrial tissues may also get lodged in the lungs and blood may be coughed up, especially during periods.
• Nausea, vomiting, dizziness and fainting.
• Weakness and lack of energy.
• Mood swings.
• Fever during menstruation.
• Smaller amounts of endometrial tissue in certain locations can be just as painful or even more painful than a large mass of tissue.

Reviewed by Sally Robertson, BSc

Further Reading

• Endometriosis - What is Endometriosis?
• Endometriosis Diagnosis
• Endometriosis Treatments
• Endometriosis Prognosis
• Endometriosis Causes
• Endometriosis Pathology
• Endometriosis: Delayed Diagnosis Impacts Disease Management and Patient Well-Being