Five Signs That You Have Endometriosis: Symptoms to Watch Out For
You might be thinking, “Endometriosis? What is that?” Well, if you are a woman, chances are you have probably heard of it, but you might not know exactly what it entails. Or, maybe you have heard about it in passing, thinking, “I do not have that.” But here is the thing—endometriosis is a lot more common than we think, affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women worldwide. It is also one of those conditions that often goes undiagnosed for years because its symptoms can be mistaken for other things, like regular menstrual cramps or digestive issues. But, understanding its symptoms is key to identifying it early and getting the right endometriosis treatment option in Singapore.
In this article, we are going to walk you through five key signs that you might have endometriosis—because the sooner you recognize the symptoms, the sooner you can take control of your health. If you are experiencing some unusual pelvic pain, heavy periods, or other oddities down there, read on. It could be time to listen to what your body is trying to tell you!
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue akin to the uterus’ inner lining (called the endometrium) starts growing outside of it, often on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the outer surface of the uterus. Every month during your period, this tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. However, unlike the tissue inside your uterus, this blood has nowhere to go, which causes inflammation, pain, and scarring. Over time, this can result in even more severe symptoms and potential fertility issues.
The list below are not your average period symptoms, so if you are experiencing any of these, it might be time to see a doctor and get checked out.
Painful periods
Most women deal with some discomfort during their period. But if your cramps feel like you are being stabbed repeatedly in the abdomen or lower back, and they do not go away with your usual painkillers, it might be a sign of endometriosis. While cramps are common, women with endometriosis often experience extreme pain, especially in the days leading up to and during their period. This pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, excruciating pain, and it is often much worse than the typical menstrual discomfort.
Moreover, it is not just the type of pain that makes it concerning—it is also how long it lasts. With endometriosis, the pain may not only last through your period but also continue throughout the month, especially in the pelvic and lower back areas. If your period pain interferes with your daily activities (like going to work, hanging out with friends, or simply getting out of bed), that is a red flag that something might be off.
Chronic pelvic pain that will not go away
One of the hallmark symptoms of endometriosis is chronic pelvic pain. Unlike typical period cramps that come and go with your cycle, pelvic pain associated with endometriosis can happen at any time and last for days or weeks. This pain is often described as a constant aching, stabbing, or heavy sensation deep within the pelvis.
You might also notice that the pain intensifies during specific activities. For instance, during or after sexual intercourse, some women with endometriosis experience deep, sharp pelvic pain—something that most of us might attribute to “bad luck” or an awkward position, but for someone with endometriosis, it is a regular occurrence.
Even things like using the bathroom can trigger pain for women with endometriosis. If you are noticing pain when you urinate or pass a bowel movement, or if you are experiencing a constant feeling of fullness or bloating, these can also be signs that endometrial tissue is growing in or around your bladder or bowel.
Heavy or irregular periods
We all know that “time of the month” can come with some messy moments, but if your periods feel extra heavy or seem to last way longer than they should, it could be a sign of endometriosis. For many women, this means soaking through pads or tampons every couple of hours, or even needing to change multiple times a night during heavy bleeding.
On top of the excessive bleeding, some women with endometriosis also experience irregular cycles. Your period might come earlier than expected, skip a month entirely, or show up in between your regular cycle. These unpredictable, heavy, or irregular periods often lead to feelings of frustration, especially if you have been managing your period for years and suddenly things start going haywire.
This symptom happens because endometrial tissue outside of the uterus can also respond to hormonal fluctuations. As this tissue swells and sheds in response to your menstrual cycle, it can cause more bleeding and abnormal cycles. If you are dealing with menstrual issues like these and they seem out of the ordinary, do not ignore them.
Trouble with your digestion: Bloating, diarrhea, or constipation
When you have endometriosis, your digestive system is not always your best friend. Many women experience significant gastrointestinal issues, especially during their period or in the days leading up to it. Bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of these symptoms is a common complaint. These issues can be caused by endometrial growth on your bowel or other digestive organs.
You might think these issues are just “digestive problems” or part of your regular PMS, but if they are recurring or especially bad during menstruation, endometriosis could be the culprit. Some women even experience pain in the abdomen or back that mimics digestive discomfort, making it difficult to tell where the pain is coming from. If your digestive troubles feel particularly intense during certain times of the month, it is worth getting it checked out.
Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant
One of the more serious signs of endometriosis is infertility. It is estimated that 30 to 40% of women with endometriosis experience difficulty getting pregnant. The reason for this is that endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus can cause scarring and adhesions that block the fallopian tubes, interfere with the ovaries, or create an environment where implantation is difficult.
If you have been trying to get pregnant for a while with no luck, and you have other symptoms of endometriosis (like pain, heavy periods, or digestive issues), it might be worth seeking the advice of a urogynae in Singapore. While endometriosis can make pregnancy more challenging, it does not necessarily mean you cannot conceive. There are treatment options like surgery and assisted reproductive technologies (like IVF) that can help women with endometriosis become pregnant.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
If you are noticing any of these symptoms and they are affecting your quality of life, it is time to see a doctor. Endometriosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of your medical history, a pelvic exam, imaging tests (like an ultrasound), and, in many cases, laparoscopy —a small surgical procedure where the doctor inserts a camera into your abdomen to see if endometrial tissue is growing outside of the uterus.
However, diagnosing endometriosis can sometimes be tricky because the symptoms are similar to other conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is why it is so important to advocate for your health and work with a doctor who understands the complexities of the condition.
Endometriosis treatment options in Singapore
There are plenty of treatments to help manage endometriosis. These options range from lifestyle changes and medications to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Pain relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and inflammation. For more severe pain, a doctor might prescribe stronger pain medications or hormonal treatments.
- Hormonal therapy: Birth control pills, hormone shots, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) can help regulate your cycle and reduce the amount of endometrial tissue that grows outside your uterus.
- Surgery: In cases of severe endometriosis, surgery might be necessary to remove endometrial tissue, cysts, or adhesions. Laparoscopic surgery is often preferred because it is minimally invasive and has a shorter recovery time.
- Fertility treatment: For women struggling with infertility, treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or fertility-preserving surgery can help.
Conclusion: Do not ignore the signs!
Endometriosis is a complex and often misunderstood condition, but recognizing the signs early can help you get the treatment you need and avoid unnecessary suffering. If you are dealing with any of the five symptoms we have discussed—especially if they interfere with your day-to-day life—take it as a sign that it is time to seek medical advice.
Remember, you do not have to suffer in silence. There are endometriosis treatment options in Singapore that can help manage the pain, regulate your cycle, and even improve your fertility.
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Aster Gynaecology – Dr Ng Kai Lyn
38 Irrawaddy Rd,
#066-58 Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
Singapore
Phone: 6635 2100
