Can You Have Endometriosis? Know the Signs, Seek Help Early

Can You Have Endometriosis? Know the Signs, Seek Help Early

Have you ever felt anxious or fearful before your periods—worried about pain, extreme fatigue, or discomfort during sex or bowel movements? Have you been told that it’s “just part of being a woman”? If so, you are not alone. You may be one of the millions of women silently living with endometriosis—a real, often misunderstood condition that frequently goes undiagnosed for years.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) starts growing outside the uterus—commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the pelvic lining. This tissue responds to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle but, unlike the uterine lining, it has no way to exit the body. This leads to inflammation, pain, and scar tissue formation, often affecting surrounding organs and causing a wide range of symptoms.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person—some may experience intense discomfort, while others may have no noticeable symptoms. Here are the most common signs:

• Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea): Severe cramps before and during periods, often unrelieved by typical painkillers.
• Chronic Pelvic Pain: Ongoing or recurring lower abdominal pain, not always linked to periods.
• Pain During Sex (Dyspareunia): Deep pelvic pain during or after intercourse.
• Painful Bowel Movements or Urination: Especially noticeable during menstruation.
• Abnormal Bleeding: Heavy or irregular periods, periods lasting over 7 days, or spotting between cycles.
• Fatigue: Constant tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
• Infertility: Difficulty in conceiving may be the only symptom in some women.
• Other Symptoms: Bloating (sometimes called “endo belly”), nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or lower back and leg pain during periods.

What Should You Do?

If these symptoms feel familiar, don’t dismiss them.

1. Track Your Symptoms: Maintain a journal detailing your cycle, pain levels, and any unusual symptoms.
2. See a Gynecologist: A detailed history can help guide the diagnosis. You may be recommended for a pelvic exam, ultrasound, MRI, or diagnostic laparoscopy based on your symptoms.
3. Explore Treatment Options: Treatment is personalized and may include:
   • Pain management and hormonal therapy
   • Surgery to remove or reduce endometrial tissue
   • Fertility treatment if needed
   • Lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise, and stress management

Endometriosis is real. You're not imagining your pain, and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and fertility. Trust your body, seek help, and know that you deserve to be heard and treated with empathy and care.

Featuring insights from Dr Indumathi Thiyar, Senior Consultant – Obesticts and Gynecology, Apollo Specialty Hospitals, Vanagaram, Chennai.

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