20 Symptoms of Endometriosis: Early Signs, Common Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor

By Dr. Muhammad Ali · July 1, 2026

Endometriosis is more than just painful periods. It is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These growths can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, and other pelvic organs.

The symptoms of endometriosis vary from one person to another. Some people have severe pain that disrupts daily life, while others have few or no symptoms. Because the signs can look like other health problems, many people live with endometriosis for years before getting the right diagnosis.

Learning the common symptoms can help you recognize when something is not normal. Early medical care may reduce pain, improve quality of life, and protect fertility.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the 20 symptoms of endometriosis, early warning signs, uncommon symptoms, and when it’s time to see a healthcare provider.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects millions of women and people assigned female at birth during their reproductive years.

Normally, the tissue lining the uterus thickens each month and leaves the body during a menstrual period. In endometriosis, tissue that behaves in a similar way grows outside the uterus. It can attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, bladder, bowel, and, in rare cases, the diaphragm or lungs.

Just like the uterine lining, this tissue responds to hormones during each menstrual cycle. It can bleed, become inflamed, and form scar tissue. Over time, this may cause pain, adhesions, and fertility problems.

Although endometriosis has no permanent cure, treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Why Do Endometriosis Symptoms Vary from Person to Person?

Not everyone with endometriosis experiences the same symptoms. Some people have severe pain even with small areas of endometriosis. Others have widespread disease but only mild discomfort.

Several factors can affect symptoms, including:

• The location of the endometriosis tissue
• How deeply the tissue has grown
• The amount of inflammation
• Scar tissue and adhesions
• Individual pain sensitivity
• Hormone levels

For example, endometriosis on the bowel may cause digestive problems, while endometriosis on the bladder may lead to urinary symptoms.

This is why two people with the same diagnosis can have very different experiences.

20 Symptoms of Endometriosis

1. Severe Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)

Painful periods are one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. However, these cramps are usually much stronger than normal menstrual cramps.

The pain may begin several days before your period starts and continue throughout your menstrual cycle. Many people describe the pain as sharp, stabbing, or throbbing.

Unlike typical period cramps, the pain often does not improve with over-the-counter pain medicine.

You should pay attention if your period pain:

• Stops you from going to work or school
• Makes you vomit or faint
• Lasts for several days
• Gets worse every month

2. Chronic Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is another common symptom of endometriosis. Unlike menstrual cramps, this pain can happen at any time during the month.

The discomfort may feel dull, aching, burning, or sharp. Some people notice constant pain, while others have pain that comes and goes.

Chronic pelvic pain can make it difficult to sit for long periods, exercise, or enjoy everyday activities.

3. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Many people with endometriosis experience heavier-than-normal periods.

You may need to change sanitary pads or tampons every one to two hours. Some people also pass large blood clots or have periods that last longer than seven days.

Heavy bleeding can also increase the risk of iron-deficiency anemia, which may cause tiredness, weakness, and dizziness.

4. Pain During or After Sex (Dyspareunia)

Pain during or after sexual intercourse is a common symptom of endometriosis.

This pain usually occurs with deep penetration because endometriosis lesions may grow behind the uterus or around the ligaments that support the pelvis.

Some people feel pain during sex, while others continue to have pelvic pain for several hours afterward.

If sex is consistently painful, it is important to discuss the problem with a healthcare provider.

5. Painful Ovulation

Some people with endometriosis notice pain around the middle of their menstrual cycle.

Ovulation pain often occurs on one side of the lower abdomen. It may last for a few minutes or several hours.

While mild ovulation pain can be normal, severe or recurring pain every month may be linked to endometriosis or ovarian cysts.

6. Lower Back Pain

Endometriosis can cause pain that spreads to the lower back or tailbone.

This happens because inflammation in the pelvis may irritate nearby nerves and muscles.

Many people notice that their back pain becomes worse just before or during their period.

If your lower back pain appears with other symptoms, such as painful periods or pelvic pain, endometriosis may be one possible cause.

7. Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain caused by endometriosis is often mistaken for digestive problems.

The pain may occur in the lower abdomen, around the belly button, or throughout the pelvis.

Some people describe it as cramping, while others feel a constant ache.

The pain often becomes more noticeable during menstruation but may also happen throughout the month.

8. Endo Belly (Bloating)

Many people with endometriosis experience severe bloating, often called endo belly.

Your abdomen may suddenly become swollen, tight, or uncomfortable. Some people notice that their clothes fit normally in the morning but feel tight by evening.

Inflammation, hormone changes, and bowel involvement may all contribute to this symptom.

Although bloating is common before a period, severe or recurring bloating should not be ignored.

9. Pain During Bowel Movements

Pain when passing stool is another common symptom, especially during your period.

This symptom is more likely if endometriosis affects the bowel or tissue near the rectum.

The pain may feel sharp, burning, or like intense pressure.

Some people avoid using the bathroom because the pain is so severe.

10. Constipation

Constipation can occur when endometriosis affects the bowel or causes inflammation in the pelvis.

You may notice:

• Hard stools
• Fewer bowel movements
• Straining during bowel movements
• A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely

Constipation often becomes worse during menstruation and may improve afterward.

However, if constipation happens regularly with pelvic pain or painful periods, speak with your healthcare provider.

11. Diarrhea During Your Period

Some people develop diarrhea only during their menstrual period. This is sometimes called period diarrhea.

Endometriosis can irritate the bowel and increase inflammation during your cycle. As a result, bowel movements may become more frequent or loose.

Diarrhea that happens every month with severe period pain is not considered a typical menstrual symptom. It is worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

You may notice:

• Loose stools during your period
• Urgent bowel movements
• Cramping before using the bathroom
• Symptoms that improve after your period ends

12. Rectal Pain

Rectal pain is another symptom that may occur if endometriosis affects the tissue around the rectum.

The pain can feel sharp, stabbing, or like pressure deep inside the pelvis. Some people notice it only during their period, while others feel it throughout the month.

Sitting for long periods or having a bowel movement may make the pain worse.

13. Blood in Stool During Menstruation

Although uncommon, some people notice blood in their stool during their period.

This symptom can occur if endometriosis affects the bowel. However, blood in the stool can also be caused by hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, or other digestive conditions.

Blood in the stool should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Do not assume endometriosis is the cause without proper medical testing.

14. Bladder Pain

Endometriosis can also affect the bladder.

Bladder pain may feel like pressure, burning, or discomfort in the lower pelvis. Many people mistake it for a urinary tract infection (UTI).

However, unlike a UTI, urine tests are often normal.

The pain may become worse:

• Before your period
• During menstruation
• When your bladder is full

15. Painful Urination

Pain or burning while urinating can happen when endometriosis involves the bladder or nearby tissues.

This symptom often appears during menstruation.

Because painful urination is also a common sign of a UTI, many people receive repeated antibiotic treatments before endometriosis is considered.

If urine cultures are negative but symptoms keep returning, speak with your healthcare provider.

16. Frequent Urination or Urgency

Some people with endometriosis feel the need to urinate more often than usual.

Others experience a sudden urge to urinate, even when the bladder is not full.

These symptoms may become worse during your period because inflammation can irritate the bladder.

17. Fatigue

Fatigue is more than simply feeling tired.

Many people with endometriosis describe overwhelming exhaustion that does not improve after resting.

Several factors may contribute, including:

• Chronic pain
• Poor sleep
• Inflammation
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Iron-deficiency anemia

Fatigue can affect work, school, exercise, and daily activities.

18. Infertility or Difficulty Conceiving

For some people, infertility is the first sign of endometriosis.

Scar tissue and inflammation may affect the ovaries or fallopian tubes, making it harder for the egg and sperm to meet.

Not everyone with endometriosis has fertility problems. In fact, many people with the condition become pregnant naturally.

If you have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success—or for 6 months if you are age 35 or older—it is a good idea to seek medical advice.

19. Leg, Hip, or Sciatic Pain

Endometriosis can sometimes irritate nerves in the pelvis.

When this happens, pain may spread into the hips, buttocks, thighs, or legs.

Some people describe the pain as:

• Shooting
• Burning
• Tingling
• Similar to sciatica

These symptoms often become worse during menstruation.

20. Shoulder or Chest Pain (Rare Diaphragm Endometriosis)

In rare cases, endometriosis affects the diaphragm.

This can cause pain in the shoulder, upper abdomen, or chest, especially during menstruation.

Some people notice discomfort while taking deep breaths.

Although rare, this symptom should not be ignored. It requires evaluation because other serious conditions can also cause chest or shoulder pain.

Symptom Summary Table

Symptom	How Common?	Usually Worse During Period?	Should You See a Doctor?
Severe menstrual cramps	Very Common	✓	Yes
Chronic pelvic pain	Very Common	Often	Yes
Heavy bleeding	Common	✓	Yes
Pain during sex	Common	Sometimes	Yes
Endo belly	Common	Often	If persistent
Blood in stool	Rare	✓	Immediately
Shoulder pain	Rare	✓	Yes

Which Endometriosis Symptoms Are Most Common?

While symptoms vary from person to person, several signs are reported more often than others.

The most common symptoms include:

• Severe menstrual cramps
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pain during or after sex
• Lower back pain
• Endo belly (bloating)
• Fatigue
• Pain during bowel movements
• Constipation or diarrhea during periods
• Difficulty becoming pregnant

Having one of these symptoms does not automatically mean you have endometriosis. However, a combination of symptoms may increase the likelihood and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Early Signs of Endometriosis

Endometriosis often begins during the teenage years or early adulthood. Unfortunately, many people are told that severe period pain is “normal,” which can delay diagnosis.

Early warning signs may include:

• Painful periods that worsen over time
• Pelvic pain before your period starts
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pain during bowel movements while menstruating
• Pain during or after sex
• Frequent bloating
• Fatigue around your menstrual cycle
• Missing school or work because of period pain

Recognizing these early signs may help you seek medical advice sooner.

Symptom Tracker

Symptom	Yes	No
Severe menstrual cramps	☐	☐
Pelvic pain	☐	☐
Heavy periods	☐	☐
Pain during sex	☐	☐
Bloating	☐	☐
Fatigue	☐	☐
Pain during bowel movements	☐	☐
Bladder pain	☐	☐

Note: This checklist is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose endometriosis.

Less Common Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Although pelvic pain is the best-known symptom, endometriosis can also cause less common problems.

These include:

• Pain under the ribs
• Shoulder pain
• Chest pain during your period
• Pain while breathing deeply during menstruation
• Blood in urine
• Blood in stool
• Nausea
• Vomiting during periods
• Hip pain
• Leg pain
• Sciatica-like symptoms
• Pain around previous surgical scars

Rare symptoms usually depend on where the endometriosis tissue is located.

Symptoms by the Location of Endometriosis

The location of endometriosis often determines which symptoms develop.

Ovaries

When endometriosis affects the ovaries, symptoms may include:

• Pelvic pain
• Pain during ovulation
• Ovarian cysts (endometriomas)
• Difficulty becoming pregnant

Pain often becomes worse around menstruation.

Fallopian Tubes

Endometriosis around the fallopian tubes may lead to inflammation and scar tissue.

Possible symptoms include:

• Pelvic pain
• Fertility problems
• Pain during ovulation

Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms until someone tries to become pregnant.

Bowel

Bowel endometriosis may cause digestive symptoms that are often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain during bowel movements
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Rectal pain
• Blood in stool during menstruation

These symptoms often become worse during your period.

Bladder

Bladder endometriosis can cause urinary symptoms that resemble a bladder infection.

Symptoms include:

• Bladder pain
• Painful urination
• Frequent urination
• Urinary urgency
• Pelvic pressure

Unlike a urinary tract infection, urine tests may come back normal.

Rectovaginal Area

This type of endometriosis affects the tissue between the vagina and rectum.

Symptoms may include:

• Deep pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Pain during bowel movements
• Rectal pain
• Severe menstrual pain

People with rectovaginal endometriosis often report some of the most intense pain.

Diaphragm

Diaphragm endometriosis is uncommon but important to recognize.

Possible symptoms include:

• Shoulder pain
• Chest pain
• Pain below the ribs
• Pain while breathing deeply
• Symptoms that appear during menstruation

Because these symptoms overlap with other medical conditions, prompt medical evaluation is important.

Symptoms by Body Area

Location	Common Symptoms
Ovaries	Pelvic pain, painful ovulation, infertility
Fallopian tubes	Pelvic pain, fertility problems
Bowel	Constipation, diarrhea, painful bowel movements, rectal pain
Bladder	Painful urination, bladder pain, urinary urgency
Rectovaginal area	Pain during sex, pelvic pain, bowel pain
Diaphragm	Shoulder pain, chest pain, pain while breathing

Symptoms Throughout Your Menstrual Cycle

Many people think endometriosis symptoms only happen during a period. However, symptoms can appear at different times throughout the menstrual cycle.

Understanding this pattern may help you recognize when your symptoms are linked to your cycle.

When Symptoms Usually Happen

Menstrual Phase	Symptoms You May Notice
Before your period	Pelvic pain, bloating, fatigue, lower back pain
During your period	Severe cramps, heavy bleeding, bowel pain, bladder pain
After your period	Lingering pelvic pain, fatigue, pain during sex
Around ovulation	One-sided pelvic pain, bloating, mild spotting

Before Your Period

Many people notice symptoms begin a few days before bleeding starts.

As hormone levels change, endometriosis tissue can become inflamed. This may lead to increasing pain and discomfort.

Common symptoms before your period include:

• Pelvic pain
• Severe menstrual cramps
• Lower back pain
• Bloating (endo belly)
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Mood changes

If your symptoms become worse before every period, keep a symptom diary. Tracking your cycle can help your healthcare provider identify patterns.

During Your Period

For many people, menstruation is when symptoms are at their worst.

The endometriosis tissue responds to hormonal changes much like the uterine lining. This can increase inflammation and pain.

Common symptoms during your period include:

• Severe cramps
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during bowel movements
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bladder pain
• Painful urination
• Fatigue
• Lower back pain

Some people also experience nausea or vomiting because of severe pain.

After Your Period

Symptoms do not always disappear when bleeding stops.

Inflammation and scar tissue can continue to cause discomfort.

You may still experience:

• Pelvic pain
• Lower back pain
• Pain during sex
• Fatigue
• Mild bloating

For some people, symptoms improve within a few days. Others continue to have pain throughout the month.

Around Ovulation

Ovulation happens about halfway through the menstrual cycle.

Some people with endometriosis experience pain during this time.

Symptoms may include:

• One-sided pelvic pain
• Lower abdominal pain
• Mild spotting
• Pain during sex
• Bloating

Pain around ovulation is not always caused by endometriosis. However, severe or recurring pain should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Symptoms That Often Occur Together

People with endometriosis rarely experience just one symptom. Instead, several symptoms often occur together.

Recognizing these symptom patterns can help identify when further medical evaluation is needed.

Pain + Heavy Bleeding

This is one of the most common symptom combinations.

You may notice:

• Severe menstrual cramps
• Heavy periods
• Blood clots
• Pelvic pain
• Fatigue

Heavy bleeding can also increase the risk of iron-deficiency anemia.

Bloating + Bowel Symptoms

Digestive symptoms are common, especially when endometriosis affects the bowel.

Symptoms may include:

• Endo belly
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Pain during bowel movements
• Abdominal pain
• Rectal pain

Because these symptoms resemble digestive disorders, many people are first diagnosed with IBS.

Pain During Sex + Pelvic Pain

Deep pelvic pain often occurs together with painful intercourse.

This combination may suggest that endometriosis is affecting the ligaments behind the uterus or the rectovaginal area.

Some people also develop soreness that lasts for several hours after sex.

Urinary Symptoms + Pelvic Pain

Bladder involvement may cause:

• Frequent urination
• Urinary urgency
• Painful urination
• Bladder pressure
• Pelvic pain

These symptoms often become worse during menstruation.

Infertility + Chronic Pain

Some people seek medical care because they have difficulty becoming pregnant.

Others first seek help because of severe pelvic pain.

When infertility and chronic pelvic pain occur together, healthcare providers may recommend evaluation for endometriosis.

Is It Normal or Endometriosis?

Normal Menstrual Symptoms	Possible Endometriosis Symptoms
Mild cramps	Severe cramps that stop daily activities
Light bloating	Severe endo belly
Pain improves with ibuprofen	Pain continues despite medication
Lasts 1–2 days	Starts before and continues after periods
No bowel symptoms	Painful bowel movements

Endometriosis vs Other Conditions

Many health conditions share symptoms with endometriosis. This overlap is one reason diagnosis is often delayed.

Understanding the differences can help you know when to seek medical advice.

Endometriosis vs PCOS

Although both conditions affect the reproductive system, they are different diseases.

Endometriosis	PCOS
Severe pelvic pain	Irregular or missed periods
Painful periods	Excess facial or body hair
Pain during sex	Acne
Pain during bowel movements	Weight gain is more common
Fertility problems	Problems with ovulation

Some people have both conditions at the same time.

Endometriosis vs Adenomyosis

These conditions are closely related but not the same.

Endometriosis develops outside the uterus.

Adenomyosis occurs when tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus.

Adenomyosis is more likely to cause:

• Very heavy periods
• An enlarged uterus
• Severe cramping

Endometriosis is more likely to cause:

• Pain during sex
• Bowel symptoms
• Bladder symptoms
• Infertility

Some people have both conditions together.

Endometriosis vs Fibroids

Fibroids are noncancerous growths made of muscle tissue.

Both conditions may cause heavy periods and pelvic pain.

However, fibroids are more likely to cause:

• A feeling of pelvic pressure
• Frequent urination due to pressure on the bladder
• A noticeably enlarged abdomen when fibroids are large

Endometriosis more commonly causes:

• Pain during sex
• Pain during bowel movements
• Cyclical pelvic pain
• Endo belly

Endometriosis vs IBS

Endometriosis is often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The symptoms can be very similar.

Both may cause:

• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

However, bowel symptoms caused by endometriosis usually become worse around menstruation.

If digestive symptoms follow your menstrual cycle, endometriosis may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

Endometriosis vs Normal Period Pain

Mild cramping during a period is common.

Endometriosis pain is usually much more severe.

Normal menstrual cramps often:

• Improve with over-the-counter pain medicine
• Last one or two days
• Do not interfere with daily activities

Pain caused by endometriosis may:

• Begin before your period
• Continue after your period ends
• Prevent work or school
• Require stronger pain medication
• Become worse over time

Pain that disrupts your daily life is not considered a normal part of menstruation.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Occasional mild menstrual cramps are common. However, severe or ongoing symptoms deserve medical attention.

You should see a healthcare provider if you have:

• Severe period pain every month
• Pelvic pain that lasts beyond your period
• Heavy bleeding that soaks through pads or tampons quickly
• Pain during or after sex
• Painful bowel movements
• Blood in your urine or stool
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Symptoms that interfere with work, school, or daily life

Seeking medical care early may help reduce complications and improve your quality of life.

How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing endometriosis can take time because many symptoms overlap with other conditions.

Your healthcare provider will usually combine your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests.

In some cases, surgery is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Medical History

Your healthcare provider will ask questions about:

• Your menstrual cycle
• Pelvic pain
• Family history of endometriosis
• Fertility concerns
• Bowel and bladder symptoms

Keeping a symptom diary before your appointment can be very helpful.

Pelvic Examination

During a pelvic exam, your healthcare provider checks for tenderness, enlarged ovaries, cysts, or scar tissue.

A normal pelvic exam does not rule out endometriosis.

Some people have significant disease even when the examination appears normal.

Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is often one of the first imaging tests performed.

It can help identify:

• Ovarian endometriomas
• Large cysts
• Other pelvic conditions

However, ultrasound cannot detect every type of endometriosis.

A normal ultrasound does not mean endometriosis is absent.

MRI

An MRI provides more detailed images of the pelvis.

Your healthcare provider may recommend an MRI if deep endometriosis is suspected or if surgery is being planned.

MRI can help show the location and extent of disease in some cases.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is considered the most reliable way to confirm endometriosis.

During this minimally invasive surgery, a surgeon inserts a small camera through a tiny incision in the abdomen.

If endometriosis tissue is found, it may be removed or sampled for testing during the same procedure.

Not everyone with suspected endometriosis needs surgery immediately. The decision depends on symptoms, imaging results, fertility goals, and treatment preferences.

Can Endometriosis Symptoms Come and Go?

Yes. Endometriosis symptoms can come and go.

Many people notice that their symptoms follow their menstrual cycle. Pain often becomes worse before or during a period and then improves afterward. However, this pattern is different for everyone.

As endometriosis progresses, some people begin to experience symptoms throughout the month instead of only during menstruation.

Several factors can affect symptom severity, including:

• Hormone levels
• Menstrual cycle stage
• The location of the endometriosis
• Inflammation
• Stress
• Current treatment

Even if your symptoms improve for a while, endometriosis does not usually go away on its own before menopause. If your symptoms keep returning, speak with your healthcare provider.

Can You Have Endometriosis Without Pain?

Yes. Some people have endometriosis without noticeable pain.

In some cases, the condition is only discovered during fertility testing or surgery performed for another reason.

Even without pain, endometriosis can still affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic organs. It may also reduce fertility in some people.

This is why regular gynecological care is important, especially if you have:

• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• A family history of endometriosis
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Unexplained pelvic discomfort

Remember that the amount of pain does not always match the severity of the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first symptoms of endometriosis?

The first symptoms often include painful periods, pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, bloating, and fatigue. Some people also notice pain during bowel movements or pain during sex. Symptoms often begin during the teenage years or early adulthood.

What are the four classic symptoms of endometriosis?

Although symptoms vary, four of the most common include:

• Severe menstrual cramps
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Pain during or after sex
• Difficulty becoming pregnant

Many people also experience bowel symptoms, bladder symptoms, fatigue, and bloating.

Can endometriosis cause bloating every day?

Yes. Some people experience daily bloating, while others notice it mainly around their period.

This symptom, often called endo belly, may result from inflammation, hormone changes, or bowel involvement.

If persistent bloating affects your daily life, it is important to discuss it with your healthcare provider.

Does endometriosis get worse with age?

It can.

For some people, symptoms remain stable for years. Others develop increasing pain, more scar tissue, or worsening symptoms over time.

Early diagnosis and treatment may help manage symptoms and reduce complications.

Can endometriosis affect your bladder or bowels?

Yes.

If endometriosis grows near the bladder or bowel, it may cause symptoms such as:

• Painful urination
• Frequent urination
• Bladder pressure
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Pain during bowel movements
• Rectal pain

These symptoms often become worse during menstruation.

Can endometriosis cause infertility?

Yes. Endometriosis can make it harder to become pregnant by causing inflammation, scar tissue, or damage to the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

However, many people with endometriosis conceive naturally or with fertility treatment.

A diagnosis does not mean pregnancy is impossible.

Can endometriosis symptoms occur between periods?

Yes.

Although symptoms are often linked to menstruation, many people also experience:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Lower back pain
• Fatigue
• Pain during sex
• Bloating

These symptoms may occur at any time during the month.

Key Takeaways

Endometriosis is a long-term condition that can affect many parts of the body, not just the uterus. While severe period pain is one of the best-known symptoms, the condition may also cause bowel problems, bladder symptoms, fatigue, painful sex, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain.

Here are the most important points to remember:

• Endometriosis symptoms vary from person to person.
• Severe period pain is not a normal part of menstruation.
• Symptoms often become worse before or during your period.
• Bowel and bladder symptoms may occur if nearby organs are affected.
• Some people have endometriosis with little or no pain.
• Early diagnosis may help improve symptom control and protect fertility.
• A healthcare provider can recommend the right tests and treatment based on your symptoms.

If your period pain keeps you from work, school, or everyday activities, or if you have several symptoms discussed in this guide, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. Getting answers early can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.