Endometriosis is not uncommon as it affects one in every ten women around childbearing age. You may not notice the symptoms as the condition may not always cause complications, but when it does, they can be disruptive and painful, affecting your life’s quality. Although some of the symptoms such as bleeding and pain may seem normal to some women, the team of obstetrics and gynecologists at Raveco Medical offering diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis in Jackson Heights recommend individuals seek expert help as soon as possible. Here are signs you could have endometriosis, and you ought to pursue expert help.
Severely Painful Periods
Although you might experience pain during your periods due to several underlying complications, it is one of the most common endometriosis symptoms. You experience intense abdominal or pelvic pain that can feel like a stabbing or sharp sensation. This happens because the endometrial tissue may swell and bleed every month, and since it is on the outside of the uterus, the tissue and blood may not be readily shed, causing further complications. You can experience pain that is more severe than normal menstrual cramping.
Painful Sexual Intercourse
If you are not enjoying your sexual activity due to pain, endometriosis may be the reason besides other physical and psychological factors. Endometriosis makes you experience discomfort during entry, but severe pain during deep penetration. When the endometrial tissue grows on the lower uterus or behind the vagina, it can be pulled or stretched during intercourse. Although asking your partner to be gentle or to stop can improve your condition, speak to your provider for more effective treatment options.
Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
This is another complication that can be perceived to be expected in some women. However, it can cause excessive blood loss increasing the risks for other health complications. Endometriosis can contribute to heavy bleeding as the tissue sheds and bleeds, similar to your uterine lining. Therefore, do not assume heavy bleeding during periods to be expected; seek expert care from your gynecologist.
Pregnancy Complications
With endometriosis, pregnancy may not be easy. Although the exact relationship between endometriosis and infertility is not clear, you might find it challenging to get or stay pregnant. The endometriosis tissue may block fertilization, preventing you from becoming pregnant. Therefore, if you desire to conceive but can’t, do not hesitate to reach out to your provider.
Painful Urination or Bowel Movements
When the endometriosis tissue develops near your bowel or bladder, your bathroom visits can become very uncomfortable. However, the bowel is more affected than the bladder, but both may indicate endometriosis. If you notice blood in your stool, feel an urgent need to urinate, or experience nausea or constipation, please contact your doctor for help.
Ovarian Cysts
When endometriosis tissue develops on your ovaries, it can cause cysts known as chocolate cysts or endometriosis. Although they are non-cancerous, the cysts can be vast and painful. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with endometriosis, you might have endometriosis around your abdominal or pelvic area. Talk to your provider for effective management of the condition as particular hormone therapy can shrink the tissues or be surgically removed.
Note that the signs of endometriosis might be different from one woman to another. The most helpful thing to do is reach out to your provider at Raveco Medical for expert help. Your provider will diagnose your symptoms and get to the root of the condition. Therefore, do not take it upon yourself to assume any of the above signs and many others.