The main symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain that is often severe and linked to menstrual periods. This pain can occur before, during, and after menstruation and may also affect the lower back and abdomen. Other common symptoms are painful periods, pain during or after sex, pain with bowel movements or urination (especially during menstrual periods), heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods, and infertility. Additional symptoms can include fatigue, bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and sometimes pain that interferes with daily activities. The severity of symptoms does not always correlate with the extent of the disease. Some people with endometriosis may have no symptoms and only discover the condition due to infertility or during surgery for another reason. In summary, key symptoms are:
- Pelvic pain and painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Pain with bowel movements or urination
- Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
- Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant
- Fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating, diarrhea, constipation)
- Pain in lower back and legs
Symptoms typically worsen around menstruation but can also present at other times. Emotional symptoms such as low mood or anxiety may also occur due to the chronic nature of the pain and symptoms.
