To better understand endometriosis, it’s helpful to imagine how the menstrual cycle works. Each month, the endometrium thickens to prepare for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the tissue sheds and is expelled during menstruation. In endometriosis, the tissue that grows outside the uterus also reacts to hormones, but it has no way to be eliminated. This causes internal inflammation, persistent pain, and, in some cases, microscopic internal bleeding that irritates nearby organs.
The most well-known symptom of endometriosis is severe menstrual pain. This is not simply discomfort relieved by painkillers, but pain that can be debilitating, forcing women to miss work, school, or cancel daily activities. Many women describe this pain as stabbing, deep, or constant, and it tends to worsen over time.
Another very common symptom is chronic pelvic pain, meaning pain in the lower abdomen that isn’t limited to the menstrual period. It can appear a few days before menstruation, during ovulation, or even be present for almost the entire month. This type of pain is often one of the main reasons women consult a healthcare professional, although the correct diagnosis isn’t always made immediately.
Endometriosis can also cause pain during or after sexual intercourse. This symptom, called dyspareunia, is usually deep and persistent, and can seriously affect the intimate and emotional lives of those affected. Many women feel uncomfortable discussing this topic, which contributes to keeping the problem even more hidden.
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