Symptoms

• Pain, especially excessive menstrual cramps which may be felt in the abdomen or lower back
• Pain during intercourse
• Abnormal or heavy menstrual flow
• Infertility
• Fatigue
• Painful urination during menstrual periods
• Painful bowel movements during menstrual periods
• Other gastrointestinal problems (i.e., diarrhea, constipation, and/or nausea)

Endometriosis and infertility

Endometriosis can contribute to female infertility. In mild to moderate cases, the infertility may be just temporary. In these cases, surgery to remove adhesions, cysts, and scar tissue can restore fertility. In other cases (a very small percentage), women may remain infertile. Physicians and researchers continue to investigate how endometriosis affects fertility.

Risk factors for developing endometriosis

• Women who have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with the disease
• Women who are giving birth for the first time after age 30
• Caucasian women
• Women with an abnormally tight cervix, a condition called endocervical stenosis