Endometriosis Symptoms

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The most common symptoms that women experience if they have endometriosis include pain, spotting in between periods, heavy periods, infertility, and digestive problems. Not all women experience symptoms, but pain is the most common symptom and can be:

• Painful menstrual cramps
• Chronic pain the lower abdomen or intestines
• Pain during or after sex
• Painful bowel movements or pain when urinating during menstrual periods

Pain from Endometriosis is caused by the benign growth of the endometrial lining. These growths bleed in the same way as your uterus during your period. Other problems can result such as your fallopian tubes being blocked, inflammation, and scar tissue around your uterus, intestines, or bladder.

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Diagnosing Endometriosis

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In addition to discussing your symptoms with your gynecologist, he or she may suggest another exam to diagnosis endometriosis. During a pelvic exam, your gynecologist may be able to feel for large cysts or scars behind your uterus. An ultrasound or MRI may also be done to check for ovarian cysts.

Surgery is the only way to confirm that you have endometriosis. Your OBGYN may perform a laparoscopic procedure to see or biopsy the endometriosis growths.