Is it more than a painful period? What are the signs you may have endometriosis?

Most women have cramps with their period, but the pain shouldn’t be debilitating. If it is, it could be one of the signs you may have endometriosis. Texas Fertility Center is home to Austin endometriosis doctors who understand this complex and often undiagnosed disease. To help more women get a diagnosis and treatment for this illness, our team is reviewing common endometriosis symptoms.

What are some common endometriosis symptoms?

Pelvic pain, especially during or around your period, is the most common symptom of endometriosis. Women with this condition find that their cramping is much worse than what other women experience during their cycles. The pain may also increase over time. Additionally, this pain and cramping may start before your period and extend several days into it. It can manifest as abdominal or lower back pain.

Our Austin endometriosis doctors also find there are other signs you may have endometriosis.

• Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
• Pain during or after sex
• Discomfort during bowel movements or urination, especially during your period
• Infertility
• Fatigue
• Digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea

Many women with endometriosis experience pain and discomfort. However, the severity of the pain doesn’t necessarily indicate how severe the condition is. For example, a woman with mild endometriosis could have severe pain. In contrast, a woman with advanced endometriosis may not have any pain at all. This is why it’s important to partner with an experienced Austin endometriosis doctor if you have endometriosis symptoms.

How can a doctor help if you have signs you may have endometriosis?

Making an accurate diagnosis of endometriosis is the first step. If you have endometriosis symptoms, one of our doctors can help. Our Austin endometriosis doctors opt for conservative approaches, including pain medication and birth control pills, before moving to options like surgery.

However, the only definitive way to diagnose and treat the condition is through minimally invasive surgery. Our doctors use a technique called laparoscopy, which only requires them to make a few small incisions near your bellybutton. During this procedure, your doctor can also treat the condition so that you only need one surgery.

If you’re trying to conceive, but endometriosis is making it difficult, our doctors can also help with that. Often, in vitro fertilization (IVF) can help make pregnancy possible if you have signs you may have endometriosis.

If you have endometriosis symptoms and want relief, contact us to schedule an appointment. The entire Texas Fertility Center team is here for you.