Five little-known signs of endometriosis REVEALED

Pelvic pain, heavy periods, and pain during sexual intercourse are common symptoms of endometriosis.

The debilitating condition causes tissue, similar to the lining of the uterus, to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, causing inflammation and pain.

It affects 176 million women worldwide, including one in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK and US.

But many struggle to get a diagnosis even though the pain interferes with daily life.

Bina Mehta, Boots’ pharmacist, explained: ‘It can be difficult to diagnose endometriosis because the symptoms can vary considerably.

Some women experience severe symptoms, while others do not. And its symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, including menstrual pain.

Pelvic and lower abdominal pain are shared symptoms of both conditions, he said.

But there’s more to endometriosis than period pain.

Here MailOnline reveals four of the condition’s lesser-known symptoms for Endometriosis Awareness Month.

Intestinal problems

Although it is a condition that affects the uterus and is commonly associated with menstrual pain, it can also cause intestinal problems.

For this reason, endometriosis is often misdiagnosed as IBS due to the digestive problems the condition causes, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation.

The symptoms are caused by endometrial tissue adhering to the intestines and causing inflammation, which can lead to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea, according to dietitian Dr. Caitlin Hall.

He adds that in severe cases, endometrial tissue can cause a blockage in the intestine, leading to constipation, nausea, and even vomiting.

Pharmacist, Ms. Mehta, cautions that in some cases, endometriosis can cause blood in the urine or stool during your period.

She said: ‘If you think you may have endometriosis you should see your GP.

“While there is no cure, there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms, including pain relievers and hormonal medications.”

Fatigue

Feeling tired is also a symptom of endometriosis.

Chronic pain and inflammation associated with the condition could be contributing to this fatigue, according to Dr. Irem Tezer Ates.

She explained that for many women these symptoms are dismissed and others struggle to spot the warning signs.

Being physically exhausted can be a debilitating symptom of the disease that affects women’s daily life, stress levels and sleep.

Fatigue is believed to be caused by the body’s effort to eliminate disease, according to the Endometriosis Foundation of America.

Experts say that fatigue is the result of the body trying to fight the inflammatory toxins caused by the disease.

it hurts to pee

Just as endometriosis tissue can grow in the intestine, it can also grow around the bladder, causing irritation.

That is why the disease can cause painful urination.

Bladder endometriosis can be superficial, where tissue is found on the outer surface of the bladder, or deeper, where tissue is found within the lining or wall of the bladder.

Its symptoms include bladder irritation, the need to urinate more frequently, pain when the bladder is full, occasional blood in the urine, and sometimes pain in the kidney area, according to Endometriosis UK.

However, endometriosis patients who have painful urination may not have uterine-like tissue in their bladder, as it could be a urinary tract infection, which is more common among people with endometriosis.

Jenny Saft, CEO and co-founder of the fertility platform Apryl, said: “Some women who have endometriosis will experience recurrent bouts of thrush, as well as other GI infections such as UTIs.”

“This could be the result of immune dysfunction: many people with endometriosis seem to have reduced immunity to other conditions, and thrush is more common in people with weakened immune systems.”

However, he adds that it is not yet known whether reduced immune function contributes to endometriosis or if it occurs as a result of endometriosis.

problems getting pregnant

Many women with endometriosis struggle to get pregnant, but it is not yet understood why.

Due to a lack of research, the links between fertility problems and the condition are not fully known. But doctors think it may be because the disease distorts the reproductive organs.

This can lead to women needing to have surgery or undergo IVF to get pregnant.

But, Ms Saft says it’s a misconception that people with endometriosis won’t be able to conceive naturally.

However, she admits that it may be more difficult among those with endometriosis.

She said: ‘If you get a diagnosis and still have hope of starting a family, don’t be discouraged. It is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of women with endometriosis can become pregnant naturally.

“For those struggling to conceive naturally, options include having surgery to remove patches of endometriosis tissue or trying a fertility treatment like IVF.”