Recognizing Endometriosis Symptoms
Endometriosis is a condition that causes endometrium tissue to develop outside of the uterus. This condition can impact a woman’s fertility, making it much for difficult to conceive. At our fertility center, Dr. Sonja Kristiansen offers endometriosis treatment to remove growths and improve a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant.
Although there are treatments for endometriosis, women do not always seek it out, often because they are unaware they suffer from the condition. Here, we go over the most common endometriosis symptoms so women know when to seek diagnosis and treatment at our Houston, TX, fertility center.
Pain
Pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. The pain of endometriosis often begins in the days just before a woman starts her menstrual cycle, and may continue for several days into her period. Unlike cramping and bloating, which are often a normal cause of discomfort while a woman is on her period, endometriosis pain tends to be more severe, and it usually develops in the lower back and abdomen.
Endometriosis is most likely to cause pain during a woman’s period, but it can cause discomfort at other times as well. Women with endometriosis may experience pain when urinating or having a bowel movement (especially while on their period), and they may experience pain during or shortly after sex.
Excessive Bleeding
Excessive bleeding is another potential symptom of endometriosis. Women with endometriosis frequently experience especially heavy periods. Excessive bleeding may only occur while a woman is on her period, but it may also cause spotting or bleeding between periods.
Gastrointestinal Distress
Many women experience gastrointestinal distress, and they would never associate it with reproductive problems. Instead, women often assume they have a condition such as IBS. However, endometriosis can cause gastrointestinal issues. Endometriosis may cause our Houston patients to struggle with diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea. As with pain, these symptoms are most likely to be prevalent while a woman is on her period, but they can develop at other times as well.
Infertility
When endometrium tissues grow outside of the uterus, they can cause a number of fertility issues. Growths, such as those that often develop in the fallopian tubes, can cause blockages that make it difficult to become pregnant. Endometriosis can also lead to infertility by damaging the fallopian tubes, compromising a woman’s eggs, or causing the formation of ovarian cysts. It is often only after a woman struggles with infertility and undergoes fertility testing that she is diagnosed with endometriosis.
Treating Endometriosis
Endometriosis can be difficult to manage, but there are treatments available at our Houston practice, including medication, hormonal therapy, and laser surgery to remove growths. Treatment is often most effective when the condition is diagnosed early on, which is why it is important for women to familiarize themselves with the most common endometriosis symptoms. Patients who have been diagnosed with endometriosis will receive a personalized treatment plan based on their unique needs.
Contact Us
If you are having difficulty conceiving and believe that it may be linked to endometriosis, it is time to schedule a fertility evaluation with Dr. Sonja Kristiansen. Call (713) 225-5375 at your earliest convenience to find out how we can help you realize your dream of becoming a parent.
