What are the main symptoms or signs of Endometriosis: Breaking the Silence on Female Pain?

Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for Endometriosis: Breaking the Silence on Female Pain?

See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

Pregnancy & Maternity

Endometriosis: Breaking the Silence on Female Pain

1 in 10 women of childbearing age

Dr. Léa Mercier

Gynecologist

9 min read

Medical illustration of Endometriosis: Breaking the Silence on Female Pain

In simple terms

Very painful periods, pelvic pain, infertility: understanding endometriosis and therapeutic options.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of tissue similar to the endometrium outside the uterine cavity (ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, bladder, intestine). This tissue reacts to hormones and causes inflammation, pain, and adhesions.

Symptoms

Severe dysmenorrhea (very painful periods)
Chronic pelvic pain
Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
Cyclical digestive or urinary problems
Infertility (30 to 40% of cases)
Chronic fatigue

Medical solutions

Analgesics: NSAIDs as first-line, sometimes weak opioids.

Hormone therapy: continuous birth control pill, progestins (dienogest), levonorgestrel IUD, GnRH agonists for ovarian suppression.

Surgery: laparoscopic excision of lesions, indicated in case of medical failure, severe lesions, or desire for pregnancy.

What about fertility?

Depending on age and stage, surgery or assisted reproductive technology (IVF) are offered. A multidisciplinary approach (gynecologist, surgeon, pain specialist, psychologist, physiotherapist) significantly improves quality of life.

The words explained

Medical terms used above, in everyday language.

Chronic: A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
Inflammation: The body's reaction to injury or irritation: redness, swelling, heat or pain.
Symptom: A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
Hormone: A chemical messenger made by your body that tells organs what to do.

When should you see a doctor?

Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
You already take medication and want to change anything about it.

This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Endometriosis: Breaking the Silence on Female Pain?: Very painful periods, pelvic pain, infertility: understanding endometriosis and therapeutic options.
What are the main symptoms or signs of Endometriosis: Breaking the Silence on Female Pain?: Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
When should you see a doctor for Endometriosis: Breaking the Silence on Female Pain?: See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

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