What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Some women with severe endometriosis have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they generally start years after the woman's first menstrual period. The symptoms usually increase gradually as the area of endometriosis grows. After menopause, the symptoms subside as the abnormal tissue shrinks.
The most common symptom of endometriosis is increasingly painful periods, or dysmenorrhea. The woman may experience a steady dull or severe pain in the lower abdomen, vagina, and/or back. This pain can begin 5 to 7 days before a period.
Symptoms of endometriosis may include:
blood in the urine
dyspareunia, or painful intercourse
heavy menstrual bleeding
irregular or more frequent periods
nausea and vomiting
pain with bowel movements
pelvic pain after intercourse or exercise
spotty bleeding just before the period starts