If you have very heavy periods or suffer from intense period pain, then you might be wondering if you could have endometriosis. Here’s some information to help you identify if you might need to talk to a doctor. Below is a guide to endometriosis symptoms and the condition itself.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where your body grows cells in the wrong places. Cells similar to the ones that line your womb begin to grow in other areas, like your ovaries and fallopian tubes. Symptoms range from mild to severe. So, Individuals can have very different experiences of the condition. The condition is not uncommon. It affects 1 in 10 women.
Endometriosis symptoms
Endometriosis symptoms often vary with the time of the month. They are most intense just before and during your periods. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Pelvic pain – lower tummy and back
- Intense period pain that stops you from doing your normal activities
- Pain after or during sex
- Pain when using the bathroom while on your period
- Feeling unwell during your period
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
Who It Affects
Any women can develop endometriosis at any stage in their life. It is most common in women between the ages of 30 and 40 who have not had children. If you have a close relative with endometriosis, then this increases the chance you might develop it.
What To Do Next
A good first step is to keep a diary of your symptoms. You should bring this with you to any doctors appointments. It is an important tool for diagnosis. The only way to get a diagnosis is with a laparoscopy. This is best performed by a surgeon who is also a gynaecologist. If you are in the west London area, you can make an appointment with Dr Phillipe de Rosnay. He is an experienced gynaecologist and surgeon who will be able to take you through all your options.