Endometriosis affects about 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, according to medical experts. It involves tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) growing outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, bladder, intestines, rectum, or colon. While benign, it causes significant daily pain and can impact fertility and quality of life.
Many women live with endometriosis without initially identifying it. Symptoms vary by affected organs and can be cyclic, chronic, or even absent in some cases. However, most experience clear warning signs.
Intense pelvic cramps during menstruation, known as dysmenorrhea, affect 50-90% of women with endometriosis, per EndoFrance's global survey. While some cramping is normal with heavy flow, debilitating pain that doesn't ease with paracetamol like simple primary dysmenorrhea does signals a deeper issue.
This pain profoundly disrupts daily activities, distinguishing it from routine menstrual discomfort.
Pain locations depend on where endometrial tissue implants. Beyond menstrual cramps radiating to the legs, women may feel sharp pain:
Pelvic pain persists beyond periods, affecting the abdomen and sometimes lower back.
Constant, disabling cramps and pain, especially during periods, warrant specialist consultation. Additional signs include:
As a leading cause of infertility, endometriosis is often diagnosed during fertility evaluations.
