Endometriosis is a disease caused by the implantation of endometrial tissue in areas where it normally should not be present, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes and other parts of the body. Although in some cases it is asymptomatic, many women experience a range of symptoms that vary according to their menstrual cycle and in terms of severity. Since endometriosis can interfere with normal daily activities and pose a threat to a woman's fertility, it is important to recognize the symptoms and treat them promptly.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Recognizing the Most Common Symptoms
Step 1. Pay attention to menstrual cramps
Pain during the menstrual period depends on a menstrual alteration, called dysmenorrhea. It is normal to feel sick in the days leading up to your period and in the days around it, but if the cramps are so painful that they interfere with normal daily activities, go to your doctor or make an appointment with your gynecologist.
In many women with endometriosis, cramps progressively worsen over time
Step 2. Don't overlook chronic pelvic pain
Some women with endometriosis experience continuous pain in the lower back, abdomen and pelvic area, not just during their menstrual cycle.
If you have chronic pain, see your gynecologist as soon as possible. Whether it's due to endometriosis or another disorder, you need proper diagnosis and treatment
Step 3. Be aware that pain during sexual intercourse could be a symptom of endometriosis
It is not normal to experience persistent pain during sexual intercourse. Make an appointment with your gynecologist to discuss the problem as it may be related to endometriosis or another serious condition.
Step 4. Tell your gynecologist if you feel pain when urinating or defecating
Also in these cases you must consult the gynecologist. Sometimes, endometriosis can cause these symptoms that get worse during menstruation.
Step 5. Check your menstrual flow
Sometimes, women suffering from this pathology are subject to heavy blood loss during menstruation (in this case, we speak of menorrhagia) or cycle disorders characterized by too abundant losses even during the intramenstrual period (menometrorrhagia). If you experience abnormal bleeding during your period or between periods, see your GP or make an appointment with your gynecologist.
It may be difficult to tell if excessive menstrual bleeding is normal or pathologically profuse. In general, if you are forced to change your tampon or tampon every hour for several hours in a row, if the flow lasts more than a week, or if it is characterized by the presence of lumps, you may suffer from menorrhagia. This can be accompanied by symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue and breathlessness
Step 6. Be aware that gastrointestinal upset can also be symptoms of endometriosis
If you experience diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea more often than usual, see your doctor. Endometriosis can cause these problems, especially during menstruation.
Step 7. Investigate infertility
If you have had regular, unprotected sex for a year but have not become pregnant, consult your gynecologist to find out if you need to have a fertility test. You should get examined to find out what causes this condition, including endometriosis.
Part 2 of 4: Create a Symptom Profile to Monitor Symptoms
Step 1. Understand the benefit provided by a symptom profile
In other words, you should create a graph that allows you to see the general pattern of the symptoms accused in a given period and, therefore, compare them with those manifested over the previous two months.
Step 2. Draw a grid on a sheet of paper
Take a long sheet of paper (for example, US letter size) or join two A4 sheets together. Put it diagonally on the table. Then draw a grid that will match your menstrual cycle.
For example, if the cycle is precisely 28 days, draw a row of 28 squares. Mark each square with a number from 1 to 28
Step 3. Determine how many symptoms you want to control
In most cases, the main symptoms to monitor are the amount of menstrual flow, pain, defecation, sleep / wake rhythm, and general feelings of well-being. They correspond to a total of five symptoms to watch for.
- Add five lines below the main one (if you want to track five symptoms). Each will serve for a particular symptom. For example, the second line is for pain, the third is for defecation, and so on. In this way, the chart will consist of 28 columns and 6 rows. In each column the top row will indicate the "day of the cycle", while the remaining 5 will indicate the 5 different symptoms.
- Write the symptom on the left side of each line. For example, write "pain" to the left of the second line, "defecation" to the left of the third line, and so on.
Step 4. Start filling out the chart
At the end of each day of the menstrual cycle, fill in the corresponding column. Use a different color for each symptom. For example, use a red pencil for menstrual flow, a yellow one for defecation, a blue one for pain, a green one for wellness, and a brown one for sleep. Use different shades based on the severity of each symptom.
- Menstrual flow: colors the whole square in case of normal or heavy flow. Color half or quarter if it is mild or causes few blood spots (towards the end of your period).
- Defecation: leave the square blank if you don't go to the body. Color it partially or entirely if the evacuations are incomplete or satisfactory, respectively.
- Pain: colors the square partially or entirely depending on the severity.
- Sleep / wake rhythm: If you've had a good night's sleep, color the whole square. If you have had a light sleeper or slept poorly, color only half of them. Leave it blank if you slept the night. Please note that you will have to wait until the next day to indicate how you slept. For example, you will have to wait for the 11th day to write down how much and how you slept on the 10th. Then, up to the tenth on the table, all squares will be marked except the one corresponding to the day you haven't slept yet.
- Wellness: color the whole square if you feel good all day. Partially color it according to your physical condition.
Step 5. Write down any particular events at the bottom of the column
It can be something unusual like vomiting, bloating, headache, or a gynecologist's appointment.
Step 6. Keep the chart in an accessible place
You may want to keep it near your bed so that you remember to fill it out before bed.
You can hang it on a wall in the bedroom or keep it in the closet or desk dresser along with the pencil case
Step 7. Make a comparison
Carefully keep each month's chart and create more in series. Once they are completed, study them so that you can compare the symptoms you have monthly. By following the color schemes, you will easily understand if your condition is improving or worsening.
You can also bring the chart to the attention of the gynecologist for use in developing a therapy
Part 3 of 4: Consider the Risk Factors
Step 1. Calculate that childless women are at increased risk for endometriosis
You should take the above symptoms seriously if you are prone to any of the risk factors for endometriosis. The first of these is the fact of not having had any pregnancies.
Step 2. Note the duration of your period
It is normal for it to last two to seven days. However, if it tends to be longer, the risk of endometriosis could increase.
Step 3. Consider the length of your menstrual cycle
Normally the duration of the menstrual cycle varies from 21 to 35 days. However, if it lasts less (27 days or less), the likelihood of developing endometriosis increases.
Step 4. Consider family history
If your mother, aunt, sister or other female relative suffers from endometriosis, you are at greater risk of this disease.
Step 5. Consider your clinical picture
If you have uterine abnormalities, have suffered from pelvic infections or have any health problems that affect the regularity of your menstrual cycle, the risk of developing endometriosis is higher.
Part 4 of 4: Diagnosing Endometriosis
Step 1. Consult your gynecologist
If you have any of the symptoms discussed so far, make an appointment with your gynecologist. Tell him about all symptoms and any risk factors.
Step 2. Undergo a gynecological examination
He will have a regular gynecological visit to check for any abnormalities, such as cysts and scars.
Step 3. Get a pelvic ultrasound
It is an examination that uses high-frequency mechanical sound waves (ultrasounds) to analyze the internal structure of the body by reproducing a graphic representation. Although it does not allow you to diagnose endometriosis with certainty, it can detect the presence of cysts or other problems associated with this pathology.
Ultrasound can be abdominal (performed with a transducer on the abdomen) or transvaginal (performed by introducing a probe into the vagina). The gynecologist may perform or prescribe both in order to have a complete view of the reproductive organs
Step 4. Learn about laparoscopy
To confirm the diagnosis of endometriosis, your gynecologist may recommend that you undergo a laparoscopy. It is a diagnostic surgical technique that consists in inserting the laparoscope (a small instrument that allows you to see the internal organs) through an incision made on the abdomen. At the same time, a biopsy can be performed to analyze some tissue samples.
Laparoscopy is performed under general anesthesia and carries risks like any other surgery. Therefore, if your endometriosis symptoms are mild, your gynecologist may recommend other investigations before undergoing such an invasive exam
Step 5. Discuss the diagnosis with your gynecologist
If you think you have endometriosis, examine the severity of your condition together by evaluating the tests to be performed and the treatment path.
Advice
- If you suspect your gynecologist is underestimating your symptoms or you think he has confused endometriosis with another ailment, seek another opinion. Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose and is sometimes mistaken for another health problem, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, and irritable bowel syndrome.
- There is no definitive cure for endometriosis, but it is possible to relieve symptoms. Ask your gynecologist if you can take a pain reliever, seek hormone treatment, or consider surgery.
