Endometriosis Symptoms
Recognising the symptoms is the first step towards getting the answers, support and treatment you deserve.
Could your symptoms be endometriosis?
Painful periods are often dismissed as “normal”, but pain that disrupts your daily life deserves attention. Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, yet many wait years for a diagnosis.
Endometriosis can affect adolescents as well as adults. Symptoms may begin from the first menstrual periods, and pain that disrupts school, work or everyday life deserves attention. Recognising symptoms early can help patients access assessment and appropriate care sooner.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it. It can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder and other areas, most commonly within the pelvis.
This tissue responds to hormonal changes and can cause inflammation, scarring and pain. Symptoms may occur during your period or throughout the month.
Symptoms vary between individuals. Some people have severe pain, while others have few symptoms despite extensive disease. The severity of symptoms does not reliably indicate the extent of endometriosis.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS
Endometriosis affects every woman differently, but some symptoms are more common than others.
Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have endometriosis, but it’s important to speak with your healthcare professional if they are persistent or affecting your quality of life.
Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhoea)
They are one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. While mild period pain is common, pain that is severe, worsening over time, or stops you from going to work, school or carrying out everyday activities should not be ignored. You may experience: Intense cramping, pelvic pain that radiates into the lower back or thighs, a constant aching sensation, pressure or heaviness in the pelvis. Endometriosis tissue responds to hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle, leading to inflammation and irritation that can cause significant pain.
Heavy or Irregular Periods
Endometriosis can affect your menstrual cycle. Some women and adolescents experience; heavy menstrual bleeding, periods lasting longer than usual, spotting between periods, irregular cycles. Heavy periods don't always mean you have endometriosis, but when combined with other symptoms, they may warrant further investigation.
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Pain isn't always limited to your period. Many women with endometriosis experience persistent pelvic pain throughout the month. This pain may feel like; a constant dull ache, sharp or stabbing pain, pain that spreads into the lower back or legs. Because chronic pelvic pain can also be associated with other conditions, it's important to seek medical advice for an accurate assessment.
Pain During or After Sex
Some women experience deep pelvic pain during penetration, while others notice discomfort that continues for several hours afterwards. Although this symptom can have several causes, it should never be considered something you simply have to live with.
Painful Bowel Movements or Urination
Endometriosis can also affect the bowel and bladder. Particularly during menstruation you may experience; painful bowel movements, pain when passing urine, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating. Symptoms that become worse during your period. These symptoms are often mistaken for digestive conditions such as IBS, which can contribute to delays in diagnosis.
Fatigue
Living with endometriosis can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Many women describe; persistent tiredness, low energy, difficulty concentrating, feeling drained even after adequate sleep. Fatigue is a recognised symptom of endometriosis and can significantly affect day-to-day life.
Lower Back Pain
Pain associated with endometriosis isn't always confined to the pelvis. Many women experience ongoing lower back pain, particularly around the time of their period. Because back pain is so common, it's often not recognised as a possible symptom of endometriosis.
Fertility Difficulties
Not every woman with endometriosis experiences fertility problems, but the condition can make it more difficult to conceive. For some women, fertility investigations are the first step towards receiving an endometriosis diagnosis. If you're trying to become pregnant and have symptoms of endometriosis, it's important to discuss this with your healthcare professional.
You’re Not Alone…
Living with unexplained pain or waiting for answers can be frustrating, isolating and overwhelming.
Recognising your symptoms is the first step towards understanding what’s happening and finding the right care.
Why Is Endometriosis often diagnosed late?
Many women and adolescents wait years before receiving an endometriosis diagnosis. This can happen because symptoms vary widely between individuals, symptoms overlap with conditions such as IBS or bladder disorders, painful periods are often dismissed as normal, endometriosis does not always show on ultrasound or MRI.
Recognising symptoms earlier can help women and adolescents seek assessment sooner and begin the journey towards appropriate care and support.
When should you speak to a healthcare professional?
You should consider seeking medical advice if:
- Your periods are consistently painful and affects your work, education or daily activities
- You experience persistent or recurring pelvic pain between periods
You experience pain during or after sex
You have persistent bloating or bowel symptoms
- You’re experiencing fertility difficulties
- Your symptoms are becoming worse over time
Keeping a symptom diary, including how symptoms relate to your period, can help you explain their pattern and impact during your appointment.
You know your body better than anyone else. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Could The EndoSure Test help?
If your symptoms could be related to endometriosis, The EndoSure Test offers a non-invasive, rapid way to support earlier diagnosis. The test can be used from the first menstrual period (menarche), through menopause and beyond, including in adolescents under 18. Completed in around an hour, the test provides healthcare professionals with valuable clinical information to help guide your next steps.
While no single test can diagnose endometriosis with absolute certainty, the EndoSure Test can play an important role in supporting clinical decision-making alongside your symptoms, medical history and other investigations.
