Symptoms
Symptoms are a guide to telling us if you have Endometriosis, and if so, then where. Often symptoms can pinpoint where the surgeon can expect to find Endometriotic lesions. See if you can tick any of these on the list. If you have more than 3 you might want to make an appointment with an OBGYN.
Pain before and during periods
Chronic abdominal, pelvic, or back pain
Heavy and/or irregular periods
Painful bowel movements
Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal bloating
Painful urination
Fatigue
Infertility
Pain with sexual intercourse
Pain radiating to the back or down the legs
Pain with breathing that worsens with your menstrual cycle
Questions
See if you can answer the questions below. Try writing them down and taking the list to your doctor. It will help you explain to him what you are experiencing. Always print out a list of your symptoms also, as the doctor will ask you about them.
Do you find yourself missing work or social functions because of pain or fatigue?
Do you have any relatives that have been diagnosed with Endometriosis?
Do you have any abdominal bloating, swelling or tenderness at any time in your cycle?
Do you have a history of ovarian endometriomas or cysts?
Do you have a history of miscarriage, infertility or ectopic pregnancy?
Do you experience gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea and/or constipation?
Do you ever feel fatigued or feel sick and tired all the time?
Do you have a history of allergies or asthma?
Do you experience pain during or after sexual activity?
Do you suffer from any other autoimmune diseases (i.e., thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, or multiple sclerosis)?
Have you ever had a laparoscopy, in which Endometriosis was suspected but not definitively diagnosed?
