There are many factors that can cause infertility in women. One such factor is endometriosis. Endometriosis is a Medical Condition where the tissue that grows inside the uterus starts growing on its outer lining. It can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the pelvic tissues.
Endometriosis can be painful, especially during menstruation. It is best to diagnose and treat the issue when it is in its early stages. But how do you know if you have endometriosis? In this article, we have discussed some uncommon symptoms you can look out for if you suspect you have endometriosis.
8 Uncommon symptoms of endometriosis
If you look into endometriosis, you would often associate it with symptoms like chronic pelvic pain, infertility issues, etc. But there are also some other uncommon symptoms that most people don’t know about. Below are 8 uncommon symptoms you most probably did not associate with endometriosis.
Chronic fatigue
Fatigue is a symptom that most people don’t associate with endometriosis. Research has found that women with endometriosis experience extreme, chronic fatigue that is often associated with pain (menstrual & nonmenstrual), stress and anxiety, irregular bleeding, insomnia, etc.
This fatigue is caused when your body launches an immune response to the endometrial tissue that is growing outside the uterus. This can drain your energy and cause fatigue.
Pain outside of the pelvic region
Did you know that the effects of endometriosis can extend beyond the pelvic region? Sometimes, endometriosis can cause pain in areas outside the pelvis, like the chest, shoulders, and lower back. Here are some other symptoms you may have if you have endometriosis.
- It can cause nerve damage or dysfunction, resulting in neuropathic pain that can have a burning, tingling, or shooting sensation.
- In rare cases, endometriosis can affect the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica. This is linked to your menstrual cycle and can cause pain in the hip, buttocks, leg, and foot before, during, and after menstrual periods.
Pain When Urinating
Changes in urination are another symptom of endometriosis. A woman with endometriosis will often experience
- Frequent urination (more often than normal),
- Sudden urge to urinate even if they just went to the loo,
- Pain or other similar symptoms during urination,
- A feeling like they didn’t empty the bladder fully, and
- Urine mixed with blood.
Bowel changes
This condition is more common in women with rectovaginal endometriosis. When the tissue affects your rectum, it can cause issues like painful bowel movements, constipation, and rectal bleeding.
Another type of endometriosis that can affect your bowels is bowel endometriosis. Here, it causes digestive problems like diarrhea, chronic bloating, sensitivity to certain foods, and constipation.
Severe acne
Endometriosis is one of the major causes of severe teenage acne. So, if you or anyone you know has severe acne, it is best to consult a doctor and check for endometriosis. Even if you don’t have endometriosis, you can find the underlying issue behind your acne and treat it.
Shortness of breath
This symptom is common in women with thoracic endometriosis. This is a condition where a tissue similar to the one in endometriosis grows within the chest cavity.
It mainly affects the lining of the chest and lungs and causes symptoms like coughing up blood and shortness of breath.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux (often called acidity) is a condition where your stomach acid frequently flows back into your esophagus, causing symptoms like irritation, vomiting, indigestion, and heartburn.
If you have endometriosis, these symptoms will usually intensify when you are nearing your menstruation.
Serious Ovulation Pain
It is normal for you to feel mild pain during ovulation. But, if the pain is severe and interferes with your daily life, it is best to consult your doctor and diagnose the root cause. It can be because you have endometriosis.
Conclusion
If you experience any of the above symptoms and suspect endometriosis, it is best to consult your IVF doctor and diagnose the issue before it gets severe. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you prevent serious complications like infertility.
Your lifestyle and food habits are some of the main factors that can worsen endometriosis. Here are some foods that can worsen the condition.
- Foods high in trans-fat
- High amounts of red meat
- Gluten-rich foods
- Soy & soy-based foods
- Caffeine and alcohol
No, endometriosis can interfere with your day-to-day life. The pain it causes can make you feel stressed and angry and prevent you from focusing on your current task. It also worsens when you are emotional, which can make you even more depressed. So, it is best to treat the issue as soon as possible.
Yes, staying hydrated is one of the best ways to reduce the effects of most health issues. Drinking more water can help reduce the risks of bloating, a common symptom of endometriosis. It also helps alleviate cramps. Drinking at least eight cups of water daily and exercising regularly for a healthy life is best.
Some fruits are rich in the essential nutrients that can help fight endometriosis. Here are some of them.
- Apricots
- Avocados
- Oranges
- Coconuts
- Figs
- Cherries
- Strawberries
