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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.

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