Symptoms of endometriosis?
People experience a wide range of symptoms and present with various configurations which make endometriosis difficult to recognise and diagnose.
Symptoms can be similar to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) but are often cyclical.
Read more about other conditions endometriosis can be mistaken for +
The most common symptoms of endometriosis include:
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pain that stops you during or around the time of your period (dysmenorrhoea)
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pain during or after intercourse (dyspareunia)
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pain in your pelvic region, lower back or legs
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pain during or around the time of ovulation
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painful urination (dysuria)
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fertility problems
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rectal pain
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problems with the bowel such as painful bowel movements, a bloated abdomen, constipation, or diarrhoea (often cyclical)
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constant tiredness
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depression, mood disturbances, PMS
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premenstrual spotting
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immune system issues
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painful smear tests
What is endometriosis
Endometriosis (pronounced en-doh-mee-tree-oh-sis) is a condition where tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) grows elsewhere in the body, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic linings, bowel, bladder, appendix and other organs.
The tissue grows in response to the monthly hormonal cycle. Oestrogen stimulates patches forming superficial lesions or endometrioma (ovarian cysts). Inflammation is generally present, and adhesions (scar tissue) can also form in response.
What causes endometriosis?
There are four different types of endometriosis that may be caused in different ways and therefore may require different treatments. The treatment you may receive from your medical professionals may depend on what theory they believe about the cause of endometriosis.
The cause of endometriosis is not well understood with many theories but no medical agreement. The endocrine (hormonal) and immune systems are thought to be involved.
Read more about the theories +
Join us in our mission to empower people with endometriosis and improve the lives of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand
We rely on the support of our community to provide the resources and support that people with endometriosis need. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, from making a donation to volunteering your time.