-Period pain – immediately before and during the period
-Pain during or after sexual intercourse
-Abdominal, back and/or pelvic pain
-Pain with opening bowels, passing wind or urinating
-Ovulation pain, including thigh or leg pain
-Other symptoms include:
-Bleeding - heavy or irregular
-Bowel or bladder symptoms, including bleeding, constipation and diarrhoea
-Increase in urinary frequency or change in your normal function
-Tiredness
-Bloating
-Infertility
Infertility is present in about 30 per cent of women with endometriosis. Adhesions in the oviduct may inhibit the normal passage of the egg preventing sperm fertilising the egg or preventing the movement of the fertilised egg to the uterus for implantation - this latter reason also explains the increased risk of a tubal or ectopic pregnancy in women with endometriosis.
When symptoms interfere with your daily living and quality of life, see your local GP, who may refer you to a specialist gynaecologist.
Treatment
Treatment depends on symptoms and their severity but can include pain relief, surgery, hormonal treatment and fertility treatment. While the treatment for endometriosis has varied over the years, doctors generally agree that if the symptoms are mild, no further treatment other than medication for pain may be needed.
Health Tips
Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods, by eating plenty of vegetables, legumes, fruit and wholegrain cereals. Include lean meat, fish, poultry and/or alternatives and dairy.
Make pelvic floor exercises a life-long habit — even if you have no symptoms. Be active on most or all days of the week.
For more info: www.ecca.com.au – Endometriosis Care Centre of Australia
