Endometriosis is often recognized by its hallmark symptom of severe menstrual pain. But for many of us, the condition presents in unexpected ways, affecting various systems in the body.
In this first part of the series on common and uncommon symptoms, we’ll explore a few (un)known effects of endometriosis. While some of these will be expanded in future articles, this overview highlights the complexity of a condition that’s more than just “bad periods.”
Fun fact: Not all women who suffer from endometriosis have painful periods!
1. Chronic Pelvic Pain That Persists
Endometriosis-related pelvic pain often extends beyond periods, becoming a constant, daily struggle. This persistent pain stems from inflammation and scar tissue (adhesions) caused by endometrial-like growths. Unlike cyclical period pain, chronic pelvic pain is ongoing.
For some, the nervous system becomes over-sensitised to pain signals, a condition known as central sensitisation. This means even minor stimuli can feel super painful, creating a vicious cycle of discomfort. Addressing this requires more than physical treatment— holistic approaches like mindfulness, and tailored pain management plans are very important. Luckily for you, we will cover some of these things :)
2. Painful Intercourse (we can also use the fancy word for it - dyspareunia)
Painful intercourse is a common but often unspoken symptom of endometriosis. Unspoken? Yes, many are afraid or ashamed to talk about this issue. Lesions and adhesions in the pelvic area can make penetration extremely uncomfortable, or even unbearable. The physical barriers and inflammation in the lower abdomen contribute to this pain, which often worsens during periods.
Dyspareunia doesn’t just affect physical intimacy; it can take a toll on relationships and mental health. Women often face feelings of guilt, frustration, or isolation, making it essential to address and manage both the physical and emotional aspects of this symptom. Again - EndoFit is your safe space to talk about this! You are not alone. Sign up in EndoFit Hub, and let's talk about it. Once we start, it is easier. I can promise you that!
3. Gastrointestinal Troubles
Hah! One more uncomfortable topic to discuss about it. Bloating, diarrhoea - who wants to talk about it, right? But both of these symptoms, plus constipation, and abdominal pain often mimic irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS for short), making gastrointestinal issues one of the most misdiagnosed symptoms of endometriosis.
Since these symptoms overlap with other conditions, endometriosis is often overlooked during initial evaluations. If your digestive discomfort worsens around your period, it’s worth discussing the possibility of endometriosis with your doctor.
4. Urinary Symptoms
Yes, these topics often end up in the same "uncomfortable to discuss" bucket. If we’re already talking about sex and poop, why not add pee to the conversation too?
When endometrial tissue affects the urinary system, it can lead to painful urination, frequent urges to go, or even blood in the urine during menstruation. These symptoms often mimic a urinary tract infection (or UTI for short) but don’t improve with typical treatments, leading to repeated misdiagnoses.
Persistent urinary discomfort that coincides with your menstrual cycle is a key indicator that endometriosis may be affecting your bladder or surrounding tissues.
5. Psychological and Systemic Impacts
Endometriosis isn’t just a physical condition—it affects mental health too. Constant pain, challenges with self-image, and uncertainty about symptoms can lead to anxiety and depression. After my second surgery, I was in the darkest time of my life. It was not easy. And to be honest, there are still days when they seem very dark. But, recognizing the struggle and working on it, it is crucial to fight this and live as happily and as pain-free as possible. And I will say it one more time (and probably a lot of times still in the future) - this is why EndoFit exists. To help everyone fight this stupid disease - with some tricks and tips, by just talking, and realising you are not alone, and there is always a switch to turn on a light in the darkest days!
These (un)common symptoms remind us that endometriosis is far more complex than just period pain. Recognizing the above signs early can lead to quicker diagnosis and more effective management.
This is just the first part of our series on (un)common symptoms. Stay tuned for future articles where we’ll dive deeper into specific topics. Meanwhile, if you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist—timely care makes all the difference. And if you want to vent, this is a perfect portal for it!
References:
1. Sinaii, N., Cleary, S. D., Ballweg, M. L., Nieman, L. K., & Stratton, P. (2002). High rates of autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia in women with endometriosis. *Human Reproduction.*
2. Giudice, L. C., & Kao, L. C. (2004). Endometriosis. *The Lancet.*
3. Zondervan, K. T., Becker, C. M., & Missmer, S. A. (2020). Endometriosis. *Nature Reviews Disease Primers.*
4. Harlow, B. L., Missmer, S. A., & Cramer, D. W. (2003). Association of endometriosis with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. *Obstetrics & Gynecology.*
By expanding the conversation about symptoms, we hope to empower women to advocate for themselves and seek the care they deserve.
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