Endometriosis is a chronic illness that we don’t hear much about, which affects only women. It can lead to serious fertility problems, as well as extremely painful periods. Other symptoms could also be linked to this condition, and should be taken seriously in order to get an accurate diagnosis. We have listed some of the precursors below…
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic illness that affects one in ten women of childbearing age. It is relatively difficult to diagnose, and manifests as the presence of uterine tissue outside of the uterus. So how does this happen? Normally, during your period, a part of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) breaks down and leaves the body, and afterwards starts to build up again for the following cycle. For women who suffer from endometriosis, fragments of this lining can be found in the rectum, the bladder, the kidneys or even the lungs, causing very significant period pains.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
The symptoms of endometriosis are so numerous that it can be difficult to diagnose. If you are in doubt, seek the advice of your gynaecologist as soon as possible.
1/ Strong period pains, sometimes to the extent that you can’t get up or go to work.
2/ Very heavy and irregular periods.
3/ Pain during sex around the areas of the vagina, the lower abdomen, the back and the legs.
4/ Digestive problems, reflux, diarrhea or constipation.
5/ Pain in the bladder during urinating, with significant burning.
6/ Chronic fatigue and exhaustion.
7/ Nausea and vomiting.
What are the repercussions of endometriosis?
As well as being regularly very painful and interfering with daily life, endometriosis can also lead to more serious problems, in particular infertility, which affects 30 to 50% of women who suffer from the condition.
Endometriosis: difficulties with diagnosis
The symptoms of endometriosis are so numerous that it is difficult to diagnose. It took years of research before doctors were able to evaluate all of the symptoms. And even nowadays, with several specialists in the area, the medical tests are numerous and tedious. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition to date, only treatments for managing the pain, but research continues.
