Endometriosis is a medical condition where endometrial tissue develops outside the lining of the uterus. It can be a very painful condition and one that currently impacts 1.5 million women in the UK and 1 in 10 people worldwide. The most common symptom is severe pain.

In this article, we'll look into how endometriosis can cause pain in parts of the body outside the reproductive organs, and how the signs of endometriosis typically present themselves.

How does endometriosis cause pain in the body?

The most common place for endometrial tissue to develop outside the womb is around the pelvic organs. During the menstrual cycle, this tissue can thicken, break down, and bleed, just as if it were lining the womb. However, unlike in the womb, bleeding from the pelvic area has no route out of the body. As a result, inflammation, irritation, and the formation of scar tissue can occur and this can cause anything from moderate to chronic pain.

Pain from endometriosis can present in ways including:

• Persistent pelvic discomfort
• Intense period cramps
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Chronic pelvic pain throughout the menstrual cycle
• Pain with bowel movements or urination
• Leg pain (if the endometrial lesions run down the sciatic nerve)

It's important to be aware of and address these symptoms as soon as possible if you're experiencing any of them.

People with endometriosis can take years to get diagnosed, so if you do spot any symptoms be sure to consult a doctor (or your Fertifa Patient Advisor if you're a patient) as soon as you can so that they can make an accurate diagnosis and provide you with effective treatment.

What does endometriosis pain feel like?

Every person's experience of endometriosis pain is unique, varying in intensity, severity, and duration. Regardless of how it presents itself, all endometrial pain can negatively impact an individual's quality of life and can make an individual's daily activities difficult to do. Some common endometriosis symptoms include: 

1. Pelvic pain: The most common symptom of endometriosis, pelvic or abdominal pain can range from a dull, persistent ache to a sharp and intense cramping. Although typically an intense pain that is concentrated in the lower abdomen, it can also spread to the lower back or thighs. People with endometriosis typically experience worse pain during their menstrual period, but the pain can be chronic and ongoing and can be present even when not menstruating.
2. Painful periods (dysmenorrhea): Endometriosis-related pain is often most severe during menstruation. Menstrual cramps may be more intense than usual and may last longer. Some describe it as a deep, throbbing pain. People suffering from endometriosis may also experience unusually heavy periods involving long and heavy bleeding.
3. Pain during sex or after sexual intercourse: People suffering from endometriosis can experience severe pain during or after sexual intercourse, known as dyspareunia. This is a common symptom and it can range from mild discomfort to sharp, stabbing pain.
4. Painful bowel movements or urination: Endometriosis implants in the pelvic area can affect nearby structures, leading to pain or discomfort during bowel movements or urination, particularly during menstruation.

Remember, not all individuals with endometriosis will feel pain in the same places. Some people will endure more severe symptoms that affect their daily lives, while others may experience mild discomfort.

At the end of the day, the right treatment option for you (whether that be pain medication, birth control pills, or something else) depends on your pain levels, the location of your endometriosis, and the duration.

If you suspect you may have endometriosis or you're experiencing significant pain, speak with a doctor for an evaluation and a discussion of what treatment option may be best for you. 

If you are suffering from one or more of the above symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor, healthcare provider, or Fertifa Patient Advisor as soon as you can. Severe endometriosis can damage your ovaries, pelvic cavity, and fallopian tubes, and occasionally lead to fertility problems - so it's very important to be aware of 💜