Do I Have Endometriosis?

Do you have pelvic pain which is usually more severe during menstruation?

Does your pain usually begin one or two days before expected menstruation and lasts until the end of your period?

Do you have severe cramps during your period that interfere with your daily activities?

Do you have heavy menstrual bleeding (the pad or tampon needs changing every 1 to 2 hours) or bleeding between periods?

Does your period last longer than 7 days?

Do you have pain during sex?

Does the pain worsen after sex or pelvic exam?

Do you have lower abdominal pain or lower back pain that can occur at any time during your menstrual cycle?

Do you have a pain during bowel movements or pain during urination while you are on your period?

Do you have any of these symptoms: diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea, particularly during your period?

Do you have blood in your urine or stool during your period?

Are you constantly fatigued?

Do you have difficulty getting pregnant?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have endometriosis. Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish endometriosis from other conditions with similar symptoms such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cysts or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Considering that some women with endometriosis have no symptoms, it is important that you have gynecological examinations on a regular basis, which will allow your gynecologist to monitor your reproductive health. To reduce cramps and pain, you can try warm baths to relax your pelvic muscles and OTC painkillers.

Based on your answers you may have endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to your uterine mucosa (endometrium) begins to grow elsewhere, such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Endometriosis can affect women of any age. It is a condition that can affect your life causing you many problems, along with fertility difficulties. You should consult your GP or your gynecologist who will perform a pelvic exam, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or/and laparoscopy. There are effective treatments that can be helpful that usually involve medication or surgery. Treatment will depend on how severe your symptoms are and whether you are planning a pregnancy.