If you’re here, you’re probably experiencing symptoms that feel a bit off. Maybe you’ve been putting it down to ‘just bad periods’ or feeling worn out from everyday life. But sometimes, your body is trying to tell you something important. And when it comes to endometriosis, recognising the signs early can make a big difference.
Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women in the UK, that’s roughly 1.5 million people. Despite being so common, many still struggle for years without a diagnosis. So, let’s look at seven common symptoms of endometriosis you really shouldn’t ignore.
1. Painful Periods (Beyond the Usual Cramps)
Period pain is something many women experience regularly. But with endometriosis, the pain often reaches another level. If your monthly cramps leave you curled up in bed, unable to get on with daily life, that’s a red flag. We’re talking about pain that can feel sharp, stabbing, or even burning.
Mild discomfort is common, but severe pain every month isn’t something you need to simply tolerate. If painkillers hardly touch it, it’s definitely worth speaking to your GP.
2. Heavy or Irregular Periods
Periods can vary naturally, but if you’re dealing with very heavy bleeding, or your cycle seems unpredictable and irregular, endometriosis could be the culprit.
Do you find yourself constantly changing pads or tampons, or worrying about leaks and accidents? Heavy periods are common with endometriosis, often leaving you feeling drained and anxious about managing your day to day tasks.
3. Pain During or After Sex
This symptom can be awkward to talk about, but painful intercourse is more common than you’d think. With endometriosis, it’s often described as deep pelvic pain during or immediately after sex. This happens because misplaced tissue causes inflammation and tenderness around your reproductive organs.
It’s easy to dismiss it or avoid discussing it, but being open with your doctor can genuinely help you find relief and enjoy intimacy without discomfort again.
4. Fatigue That Doesn’t Lift
Ever feel like you’re dragging yourself through treacle, even after a good night’s sleep? Fatigue with endometriosis isn’t your typical tiredness. It’s an overwhelming exhaustion that hangs around, affecting work, social life, and even simple tasks like cooking or going for a walk.
You might brush it off as stress or busy schedules, but persistent fatigue is a key sign that your body is dealing with chronic inflammation. Don’t ignore it.
5. Digestive Troubles and Bloating
Many women with endometriosis report digestive issues like bloating, nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea, especially around their periods. It’s easy to blame diet or stress, but persistent gut issues could indicate endometriosis involving the bowel area.
If you’re regularly feeling uncomfortable in your jeans or avoiding certain foods because of bloating and stomach pain, it’s worth getting checked out.
6. Painful Bowel Movements or Urination
If you’re regularly experiencing pain during bowel movements or when urinating, especially around your period, it might point to endometriosis affecting your bladder or bowel. It’s another symptom that people often ignore or feel embarrassed about, but you really shouldn’t suffer in silence.
Sharing these details with your GP helps build a clear picture and speeds up diagnosis.
7. Difficulty Getting Pregnant
If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, endometriosis could be playing a part. Many people only discover they have endometriosis when they face challenges with fertility. Tissue growth and inflammation can affect fertility in various ways, sometimes causing blockages or other issues that make conception tricky.
It’s stressful enough trying to start a family. If it’s not happening, getting assessed for endometriosis can clarify things and open doors to effective treatments.
What Next if You Have Symptoms?
If you’re nodding along to any of these symptoms, don’t panic—you’re definitely not alone. First, have a chat with your GP. Be honest and detailed about what you’re feeling, even if it seems embarrassing or trivial. It all helps.
Doctors typically recommend keeping a symptom diary. Jotting down your symptoms daily can reveal important patterns. It’s a handy way to give your doctor the full picture.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
The thing about endometriosis is that many women go years before getting properly diagnosed. On average, diagnosis in the UK takes around seven to eight years. But recognising symptoms early can significantly reduce that wait.
Early diagnosis also means earlier treatment. Treatments can range from lifestyle adjustments and pain management techniques to medical or surgical options. The earlier you tackle the symptoms, the quicker you’ll regain control over your life.
The World Health Organisation state “Enhanced awareness, followed by early diagnosis and management may slow or halt the natural progression of the disease and reduce long term burden of its symptoms.”
Living Well Despite Endometriosis
Having endometriosis doesn’t mean life stops. With the right support, lifestyle changes, and medical advice, you can live fully and comfortably. Remember, you’re not alone, and you deserve support and understanding.
Endometriosis UK offers fantastic resources, from local support groups to useful tips and reliable medical advice. Connecting with others going through the same journey can also provide enormous emotional relief.
Listen to Your Body
Ultimately, you know yourself best. If something feels off, trust your gut and speak up. Your symptoms aren’t something you have to just endure. Endometriosis can be challenging, but it doesn’t define you. Take the first step, seek advice, and start feeling better soon.
