Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue breaks off and travels outside the uterus to other organs in that region of the body, such as the fallopian tubes.
Every month during the menstrual cycle, inflammation and swelling occurs. Endometriosis can be described as a war scene in a woman's body. If it is not treated in the right way, there will be no improvement during a woman's reproductive life.
The problem is that many diagnoses confuse endometriosis with other conditions, such as pelvic inflammation or even PMS.
Some women have intense symptoms that indicate endometriosis, however some do not manifest any symptoms at all. Therefore, it is essential to be attentive to the signals that your body gives.
Symptom 1: Painful cycles
Those cramps that always come intense and that don't go away, no matter what you do, can point to a warning sign.
Typically, abdominal discomfort starts a few days before menstruation and lasts until the first few days of bleeding.
Notice when your pain starts and when it ends. Also pay attention if colic is interfering with your routine, preventing you from working etc.
Symptom 2: Heavy bleeding
In addition to pain, endometriosis can also cause excess bleeding. Be aware if you need to change your tampon many times; if you use the cup method, for example, how often do you fill it during the day. Another symptom is the presence of intense blood clots.
Symptom 3: Long periods
Keep an eye on how many days you usually have your period. Acceptable is a period of up to 6 days. When you have endometriosis, bleeding can take more than 7 days.
Symptom 4: Painful sex
Endometrial tissue that has come loose can end up hindering the flexibility of the organs necessary for pleasurable sexual activity. Reports indicate that sex right after menstruation is more painful. For others, sex is always painful; in this case, they are reports of more mature patients.
Symptom 5: Painful urination and painful bowel movements
Endometrial tissue can adhere to the bowel, making the task of "going to the bathroom" difficult. This symptom varies from patient to patient and can include: constipation, diarrhea, intestinal cramps, nausea, and bleeding in the rectum.
Symptom 6: Nausea and fatigue
Imagine the worst PMS you've ever felt. Surely there have been a few days when you felt more tired than usual, a little nauseous and a little sore? Now multiply that feeling. This is how women suffering from endometriosis feel before menstruating. There is persistent vomiting, nausea and exhaustion. Be aware if these symptoms recur every month and with great intensity.
Symptom 7: Infertility
Approximately 30 to 40% of women with endometriosis are infertile. In fact, many women only discover that they have endometriosis when they seek treatment for infertility.
A simple way to know your body's signals is to do daily monitoring from mobile apps. There are several and you can choose the one that best suits your needs and queries.
In addition to daily observation and getting to know yourself better, it is essential to see a gynecologist every six to twelve months, or to go to him whenever something seems wrong. Early diagnosis is the best way to prevent complications.
Written by Gabrielle Career of Team Me Without Borders.
