What are the symptoms of endometriosis

The main symptoms of endometriosis include dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, abnormal menstruation and infertility. Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, commonly found in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic peritoneum.

1. Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is the most common symptom of endometriosis, manifesting as lower abdominal pain during menstruation, which may be accompanied by lumbosacral soreness. The pain usually starts 1-2 days before menstruation and lasts until the end of menstruation. This pain may be related to ectopic endometrium bleeding during the menstrual cycle and irritating surrounding tissue. Patients can use ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets or celecoxib capsules as directed by their doctor to relieve pain.

2. Chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain refers to pain in the pelvic area that lasts for more than 6 months and may be related to pelvic adhesions and inflammation caused by endometriosis. The pain may worsen periodically or may appear as a persistent dull ache. Some patients may experience painful defecation or urination. Your doctor may recommend medications such as leuprolide acetate microspheres or goserelin extended-release implants to inhibit ectopic endometrium growth.

3. Pain during sexual intercourse

Dyspareunia usually occurs during deep sexual intercourse and may be related to endometriosis lesions located in the utero-rectal fossa or sacral ligament. The pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain and may affect the quality of sexual life. This condition needs to be differentiated from pelvic inflammatory disease. Your doctor may recommend treatment with dienogest tablets or levonorgestrel sustained-release intrauterine system.

4. Abnormal menstruation

Menstrual abnormalities include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, or irregular menstrual cycles. Ovarian endometriomas may affect ovarian function and lead to menstrual changes. Some patients may experience intermenstrual bleeding. Your doctor may prescribe short-acting contraceptive pills such as drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets or desogestrel and ethinylestradiol tablets to regulate your menstrual cycle.

5. Infertility

About 30%-50% of patients with endometriosis are complicated by infertility, which may be related to pelvic adhesions, fallopian tube dysfunction or abnormal follicular development. Mild cases may be able to conceive through ovulation induction treatment, while moderate to severe cases may require assisted reproductive technology. Doctors may recommend using clomiphene citrate capsules or letrozole tablets to induce ovulation. In severe cases, laparoscopic surgery may be considered.

Patients with endometriosis should pay attention to maintaining a regular schedule and avoid overexertion. In your diet, you can appropriately increase foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as deep-sea fish and flax seeds, and reduce your intake of red meat. Moderate exercise such as yoga and swimming can help improve pelvic blood circulation, but strenuous exercise should be avoided. Regular gynecological examinations are important to monitor changes in the condition. If symptoms worsen, you should seek medical treatment promptly.