3 Signs That Your Pelvic Pain Could Be Endometriosis

Women who have endometriosis often withstand many years of pelvic pain before receiving an accurate diagnosis for their condition. Endometriosis can have profound effects on fertility and quality of life. The symptoms can often mimic other menstrual-related disorders and can be difficult for physicians to diagnose without invasive testing.

Endometriosis affects between 10–15 percent of reproductive-aged women and that number is likely higher, as many women are misdiagnosed or don’t report their symptoms. It can be found in 70–75 percent of women who present with chronic pelvic pain and up to 50 percent of women struggling with infertility.

Greater awareness of the condition among women can lead to earlier diagnoses and timelier, targeted treatment, says University Hospitals OB/GYN Angela Hollis, MD.

How Do I Know If I Have Endometriosis?

Here are three signs of endometriosis, according to Dr. Hollis:

1. If you have pelvic pain on non-menstrual days.

It’s often assumed the pain is a result of the normal menstrual cycle, especially for women who develop endometriosis at a young age. In fact, endometriosis pain often overlaps with menstrual pain but is typically more severe and longer lasting.

Endometriosis pain often extends beyond the time of a woman’s period and if untreated can progress to near daily pain. While it can be common for women to experience some pain and discomfort with their cycle, it should be relatively well controlled with over-the-counter medications. If you are having pain that is preventing you from participating in regular activities, such as going to school or work, it would be worth discussing with your physician, recommends Dr. Hollis.

Endometriosis commonly presents as pain with menstruation, but also can cause pain during sexual intercourse and pain during bowel movements or urination, as well as the need to urinate more frequently. These symptoms can vary among patients, and they can also be a sign of other disorders, so it’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider.

2. If birth control doesn’t control symptoms.

In addition to over-the-counter pain medication, hormonal menstrual regulation is often used to help control pain related to the menstrual cycle. This can include the use of hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUD), patches and rings. However, if you have tried these options and continue to have pain, this could be a sign that you have endometriosis.

3. If a family member has endometriosis.

If you have family members with endometriosis, you are more likely to have the disease. In fact, women with a first-degree relative with endometriosis have a 7–10 times higher chance of developing the condition, says Dr. Hollis.

There’s no genetic test to diagnosis endometriosis. But for women suffering from pelvic pain, family history can be a useful clue. If your mother, aunt, sister or cousin has endometriosis, you should tell your doctor in your initial conversations about your pain.

“Delays in endometriosis diagnosis can create real challenges for patients,” says Dr. Hollis. “Understanding and discussing these signs with a physician is a critical step in making sure endometriosis is considered as a potential cause of serious pelvic pain.”

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The women’s health experts at University Hospitals are experienced in treating the full range of gynecologic conditions and have expertise in both medical management and surgical treatment of endometriosis and other causes of female pelvic pain.