5 Signs of Endometriosis You Should Never Ignore

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines your uterus grows in other places outside of the womb. This condition can be painful and causes heavy or painful periods, and about 10% of women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis. 

At Darin Swainston MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada, we understand the worries you may be having about endometriosis being the culprit of your heavy periods. But we also know that heavy, painful periods are just one possible sign of this chronic condition.

That’s why our providers are committed to helping women understand endometriosis more holistically by offering diagnostic services, treatment, and education for the condition. 

Treating endometriosis starts by determining if it is in fact the cause of your symptoms. Your provider discusses your symptoms with you, reviews your medical history, and may need to do lab work or imaging.

If endometriosis is confirmed, your provider reviews your treatment options to develop a customized treatment plan for your individual needs. Your plan may include our cutting-edge robotic-assisted surgeries, which help to treat and manage this chronic condition. 

Take a moment to find out the top five signs of endometriosis that should trigger your warning signs. 

1. Problematic periods

The most common symptom of endometriosis is painful and problematic periods. These are characterized by symptoms such as:

• Heavy bleeding
• Extreme cramps
• Worsening periods over time
• Passing large clots

If you have any of these period symptoms, schedule an appointment with a Darin Swainston MD. FACOG provider to determine the underlying cause.

2. Abdomen, back, or pelvis pain

Endometriosis causes the endometrium, the lining of your uterus, to grow in places it shouldn’t. As you get your period each month, the tissue outside your uterus follows the same cycle as the tissue inside your uterus, thickening and breaking down. This can cause severe pain that worsens over time.

Since this misplaced tissue can’t shed and leave your body, it builds up, causing pain in the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis. These are the most common locations, but some women develop pain in other areas as well.

3. Painful intercourse

Often, endometriosis can make having sex a painful experience. Women who experience this describe the feeling as “deep pain,” and may last up to 24 hours after intercourse. 

Sex should never be painful, and painful sex could be an indicator of other gynecological issues. If you have pain during intercourse, schedule a visit with your Darin Swainston MD. FACOG provider to determine why. 

4. Issues with digestion

When the endometrial tissue grows on and around the intestinal tract and other organs in the abdomen, a host of digestive symptoms can be triggered. These include:

• Painful or difficult bowel movements
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

These symptoms can be so severe that frequently women are misdiagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) when really they are caused by endometriosis. 

5. Infertility

Unfortunately, many women find out about endometriosis when struggling with fertility. Even if you don’t have other symptoms of endometriosis, an inability to conceive may be caused by this chronic condition. Visit your Darin Swainston MD. FACOG provider for a diagnosis sooner rather than later to start treatments to help you get pregnant.

If you want to learn more about endometriosis or think you may be suffering from this condition, don’t wait to set up an appointment at Darin Swainston MD. FACOG. Book online or give us a call to schedule a consultation at our Las Vegas office.