Endometriosis explainer: Does period pain stop you from doing your normal activities?
What is Endometriosis?
The inner lining of the uterus is called the endometrium, and it is shed through the vagina during menstruation. However, in endometriosis, fragments of this lining start to develop in places other than the uterus, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina or the intestine.
An early diagnosis of the condition may result in better management of your symptoms. However, endometriosis manifests itself in a variety of ways due to which the diagnosis can be difficult and is often delayed.
Many people ignore period pain thinking it to be a normal part of periods. However, painful periods that stop you from doing your normal activities are one of the main symptoms of endometriosis.
Endometriosis symptoms
Not everyone with endometriosis experiences symptoms. These symptoms can vary in intensity from person to person. Also, the amount of endometriosis does not always correspond to the amount of pain and discomfort experienced.
Apart from period pain, classic endometriosis symptoms include pain during or after sex; infertility; painful bowel movements during your period; heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods; and fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during your periods. You should see a gynecologist if you experience any of these symptoms.
Who can get this condition?
Any woman who has menstrual periods can get endometriosis. It mostly occurs between the ages of 25 and 40, but younger women can get it as well. It is rare for this condition to manifest before a girl has her first period. Teenagers who suffer with painful periods, faint or collapse during their period, or who miss school due to period problems should be considered as possibly suffering from this condition. Endometriosis can also persist after menopause in some women.
Complications from endometriosis
The main complication of endometriosis is impaired fertility. Up to 30% to 50% of women with endometriosis may experience infertility. Surgery to remove visible patches of endometriosis tissue may help, but there's no guarantee that this can help you get pregnant. However, not all women with endometriosis will have infertility problems and will eventually be able to get pregnant without requiring fertility treatment.
Endometriosis can also affect the bladder. Symptoms for endometriosis on the bladder can vary with the menstrual cycle and usually worsen in the days before and during a period.
Symptoms for bladder endometriosis include bladder irritation, need for frequent urination, pain when the bladder is full, occasional blood in the urine during periods and loin pain in the area of the kidneys in some cases. There is no cure for endometriosis and it can be difficult to treat. However, it is essential to seek professional guidance and treatment to ease symptoms so that the condition does not interfere with your daily life.