3 Signs You May Have Endometriosis (and What to Do Next)

Experts report that about 11% of women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 44 have endometriosis. 

While this high prevalence is alarming, the real issue is that many women don’t know that they have this common gynecologic condition. In fact, there’s a 4- to 11-year delay between the onset of symptoms and the correct diagnosis of endometriosis.

With this in mind, board-certified gynecologist Dr. Karen F. Brodman and our team want to discuss some of the more common signs of endometriosis. 

Our hope is to shrink that diagnostic window so we can get our patients the help they need if they’re struggling with endometriosis. 

Let’s take a look.

Endometriosis 101

Before we explore some common symptoms of endometriosis, it’s helpful to understand what happens when you have this gynecological condition.

Under normal circumstances, your uterus is lined with endometrial cells and tissues that make up your endometrium. This lining thickens with blood and nutrients when you ovulate to prepare to host a fertilized egg. 

When that egg doesn't arrive, some of the lining sheds out during your period. If an egg should arrive and implant, your endometrium supports and nurtures the egg.

With endometriosis, endometrial cells and tissues grow outside your uterus, often attaching to neighboring organs and support structures, such as your:

• Ovaries
• Fallopian tubes
• Bladder
• Rectum
• The outside of your uterus

Symptoms arise when these tissues act as if they were inside your uterus, thickening with your menstrual cycles, except they have nowhere to shed out. As a result, endometrial tissues can form adhesions (scar tissue).

Common signs of endometriosis

Now let’s dive into the signs of endometriosis, and we’re going to review the top three here, which include:

1. Pelvic pain

The most common complaint with endometriosis is pelvic pain. In fact, pelvic pain is reported in 50-80% of women with the condition.

This pelvic pain often flares with your periods as the tissues respond to your menstrual cycles and ovulation, and this discomfort can increase over time.

The pelvic pain also depends on where the adhesions form. Some women report painful sex with endometriosis as the adhesions tug with intercourse. Other women experience painful bowel movements or urination if there are adhesions around the rectum or bladder.

Still, other women report nagging lower back pain.

Wherever the pelvic pain develops, it’s often the first and most noticeable sign of endometriosis.

2. Abnormal periods

Another common side effect of endometriosis is abnormal periods, with heavy bleeding being the biggest complaint.

Aside from heavy bleeding during periods, some women with endometriosis experience spotting between periods.

3. Infertility

Between 30% and 50% of women with endometriosis experience infertility. The reason behind the fertility issues is that endometrial implants can interfere with fertilization, especially if they’re around the fallopian tubes. 

Furthermore, endometriosis can alter the hormonal environment, which can interfere with fertilization and egg quality.

Next steps

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we outlined above, schedule an appointment with our team. There are solutions for these side effects, and the sooner we can identify the underlying cause, the sooner we can get you on the road to wellness.

For expert diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Brodman at our office on the Upper West Side of New York City today.