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Endometriosis
What Are the Symptoms
Symptoms vary, and some women have no noticeable symptoms at all. The clinical presentation of endometriosis is presence of pain and/or infertility. In women who are able to conceive, symptoms may diminish or disappear during pregnancy, but they may return after delivery.
Here are other symptoms:
- Menstrual irregularities; in 15-20% premenstrual spotting.
- Menstrual periods that are abnormally heavy, especially if they produce large clots and last more than seven days.
- Pelvic pain that may or may not be associated with menstrual periods.
- Pain can be primarily period related with premenstrual intensification (dysmenorrhea).
- Pain with intercourse (dyspareunia).
- Chronic pelvic pain (pain last over 6 months).
- Infertility.
- Gastrointestinal involvement: bloating, crampy abdominal pain, change in bowel habit.
Call Your Doctor If:
Call your doctor if you suspect you are suffering from endometriosis; a proper diagnosis is essential to treatment.
Medically reviewed by Celia E. Dominguez, MD, August 2005.
SOURCES: American Cancer Society. Lebovic, D.; Gordon, J.; Taylor, R.; "Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility." Scrubb Hill Press, 2005.
© 2005 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCES: American Cancer Society. Lebovic, D.; Gordon, J.; Taylor, R.; "Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility." Scrubb Hill Press, 2005.
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