What are the symptoms of endometriosis

Endometriosis refers to the growth of cells similar to the endometrium on the outside of the uterus. These cells bleed during the menstrual cycle, causing pain and other symptoms, including dysmenorrhea, menstrual abnormalities, infertility, sexual intercourse pain, pelvic pain, etc. If you have any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time and take appropriate measures under the guidance of a doctor. The details are as follows:

1. Dysmenorrhea: Progressive dysmenorrhea is the most typical symptom of endometriosis. The pain is mostly located in the lower abdomen, lumbosacral and middle pelvic cavity, and sometimes radiates to the perineum, anus or thigh. The pain usually occurs 1-2 days before the start of menstruation, is most severe on the first day of menstruation, and gradually subsides, and can last throughout the menstrual period. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be used to relieve pain. For patients with severe pain, hormonal drugs such as short-acting oral contraceptives and high-efficiency progestins can be considered to inhibit ovarian function and reduce the activity of endometriosis lesions, thereby relieving pain.

2. Menstrual abnormalities: Increased menstrual volume, prolonged menstruation, or menstrual cycle disorder may occur. Increased menstrual volume is mainly due to endometriosis affecting the contraction of the uterine muscle layer or endometrial hyperplasia. Prolonged menstruation may be due to bleeding from endometriotic lesions, resulting in continuous menstruation. For increased menstrual volume, hemostatic drugs such as tranexamic acid can be used. If the menstrual cycle disorder seriously affects life, hormone drugs can be used for regulation under the guidance of a doctor.

3. Infertility: The infertility rate of patients with endometriosis is as high as 40%. This is mainly due to factors such as pelvic structural changes, fallopian tube adhesions, and ovarian dysfunction caused by endometriosis, which affect the discharge, fertilization, and implantation of eggs. For those who want to have children, drug treatment or surgical treatment can be selected according to the specific situation. Drug treatment mainly uses gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists to inhibit ovarian function, shrink endometriosis lesions, and create conditions for conception. Surgical treatment mainly removes endometriosis lesions, restores the normal anatomical structure of the pelvis, and increases the chance of conception.

4. Pain during sexual intercourse: It mainly occurs during deep sexual intercourse, and is usually dull pain, but sometimes sharp pain. The degree of pain is related to the size and location of the lesion. Generally, the pain during sexual intercourse is most obvious before menstruation. Vaginal lubricants can be used to relieve the pain. For severe pain, hormone drugs or surgical treatment can be used under the guidance of a doctor.

5. Pelvic pain: In addition to dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain may also occur, manifested as a feeling of heaviness and dull pain in the lower abdomen, lumbosacral region or anus. The pain usually worsens during menstruation and may persist during non-menstrual periods. For pelvic pain, physical therapy such as hot compresses, massage, acupuncture, etc. can be used to relieve pain. At the same time, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or hormone drugs can also be used for treatment.

The symptoms of endometriosis are diverse and seriously affect the quality of life and fertility. The treatment of endometriosis should be individualized according to factors such as age, symptoms, and fertility requirements. At the same time, in daily life, attention should be paid to maintaining good living habits, reducing stress, and regular gynecological examinations to detect and treat endometriosis early.