Endometriosis is where tissue that normally lines the uterus is found outside the uterus. “Endometrial implants”, as they are referred to, can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowels, bladder and anywhere else in the pelvis.

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are related to pain which can be chronic and disruptive. Symptoms can be described as mild, moderate or severe. Pain is more commonly seen before and during the period and includes painful periods, painful sex, lower back pain and pelvic pain. Also, 40 % of women with infertility have endometriosis. Surprisingly, some women don’t have any symptoms at all! Women who are not experiencing any symptoms may be “disease free” but it’s impossible to know the extent of endometriosis unless a laparoscopy is preformed to visualize scar tissue or endometrial implants. The other confusing fact with endometriosis is it can appear microscopic even when performing a laparoscopy.

The onset of symptoms related to endometriosis varies person to person. Symptoms happen as a result of your menstrual cycles. With each period the endometrial implants will bleed no matter where they are located in your body. The most common symptom is severe menstrual cramps.

Endometriosis is important to be aware of since it is a progressive disease-causing painful sex, pain with urination, pain with bowel movements, infertility, ovarian cysts and pelvic pain which are less frequently thought of symptoms.