Endometriosis involves the uterine tissue developing outside the uterus and causes excruciating pain that can significantly affect your ability to have a normal life. Although the condition has no cure yet, several treatments can be employed to ease your pain and other symptoms. Learning common symptoms associated with endometriosis in McDonough can help seek early medical attention before the symptoms worsen. Also, it can help catch the disease early and improve the effectiveness of your treatment. Here is how you can identify some common symptoms.
Pay Attention to Your Period Pain
It is natural to experience cramps during your period. But if you experience significant pain that will not go away even with pain relievers, it could be a sign of endometriosis. Therefore, keep a record of your pain before, during, and after your period. Additionally, note that elated endometriosis pain will last longer than normal cramps making it easier to differentiate. See your doctor about endometriosis if your pain begins 2-3 days before your periods or extends 2-3 days after your periods.
Note Any Pain During or After Intercourse
You should feel pleasure during sex. But if you are sexually active and you experience pain, talk to your doctor. If the pain mainly occurs around your period, it could be an early sign you have endometriosis. If you notice bleeding during or after sexual encounters and it is not yet your period, talk to your doctor about endometriosis. Also, if you experience similar pain after a pelvic exam, please alert your provider immediately to evaluate your condition.
Be Alert on a Heavier Menstrual Flow
It is good to evaluate your usual menstrual flow to understand when you experience a heavier than normal flow that goes longer. Generally, a normal period can go up to 5 days, but if you notice your period lasts seven days or more, it could be a sign of endometriosis. But since periods are unique to every woman, it might not be easy to figure out which period is heavier or in a normal range. So, note if your period is different from other times and note how often you have to change your sanitary pad. If you find yourself changing the sanitary product every hour, you can consider experiencing an abnormal period that you should report to your doctor.
Assess Any Bowel Movement Complications
The uterine tissue can grow in a place outside the uterus in a way it affects your bowel movements. You might notice blood around your anus or stool and experience pain, especially immediately after your periods. Additionally, you can also experience constipation, diarrhea, or nausea, which could signify endometriosis.
Evaluate Other Symptoms
Low back pain, fatigue, and bloating are some symptoms which although not directly related to endometriosis, could be linked in one way or another. The symptoms mainly will occur around every period and may fail to respond to over-the-counter medications.
Record Your Symptoms
Creating a chart of your symptoms while you note their recurrence and severity can help your doctor diagnose endometriosis easily. Monitor your symptoms for several months, noting down when they occur, and you can choose a scale to measure their severity. This can also help your doctor understand other issues you might have if not endometriosis.
If you fear you might have endometriosis, reach out to Ideal Gynecology, LLC today for help. There is the hope of leading a quality life through treatments that will manage your symptoms. Your provider will also offer you tips to help you be on the lookout for endometriosis signs to understand when to seek help.
