Severe abdominal cramps and heavy bleeding during your menstrual cycle are not always normal. If you have been experiencing heavy and painful periods for a while now, see a gynecologist in Airoli, Navi Mumbai, to rule out endometriosis and other period-related issues.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a medical condition in which the tissues similar to those of the inner uterine lining grow outside the uterus. The areas affected are mostly within your pelvic region, such as your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the bladder. Rarely are these tissues found outside your pelvic area.
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis
The question is, how do you know if you have endometriosis or another reproductive issue that produces a similar range of symptoms? Here are the symptoms to watch out for:
i) Painful Periods (dysmenorrhea):
Heavy cramping or painful period is often the hallmark sign of endometriosis. Pain might start before your period and might last several days. It can radiate to your lower back and thighs.
ii) Chronic Pelvic Pain:
Women with endometriosis report chronic pelvic pain, which feels like a dull ache that may persist after the menstrual cycle. This might interfere with your routine activities, making it difficult to carry out your regular household chores or office work.
iii) Pain During Intercourse:
Another common sign of endometriosis is pain during sexual activity. The endometrial tissues that grow outside the uterus can cause adhesions throughout your pelvic region, causing significant discomfort and pain while having sexual intercourse.
iv) Heavy Bleeding:
The pain associated with endometriosis is often accompanied by heavy bleeding. Some women report prolonged periods with blood clots. The bleeding occurs when the endometrial tissues, which mimic the ones that line your uterus, are shed during your menstrual cycle.
Note that the level of pain due to endometriosis is never a reliable sign of the severity of the endometrial tissue growth. Sometimes, fewer tissues outside the uterus might cause debilitating pain, while in other cases, lots of these all over your pelvic area cause no symptoms.
Less Common Symptoms
a) Gastrointestinal Issues:
Digestive problems, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and pain during bowel movements or urination, are also not uncommon. Bowel-related issues are more likely to appear when endometrial tissues grow around the bowel.
b) Fatigue:
As your body tries to cope with inflammation and pain, it’s natural that you’ll feel tired. Decreased productivity and mood swings might affect your quality of life.
c) Infertility Concerns:
Endometrial tissue growth in unusual areas can lead to blockages and inflammation, which can interfere with your ability to conceive. In fact, most cases of endometriosis are diagnosed when a couple is trying to conceive. Although not every woman with this condition experiences infertility, around 30-50 percent do.
When to Consult a Doctor?
It’s important to seek endometriosis treatment in Airoli, Navi Mumbai if:
- You experience heavy bleeding with bad cramping that persists even after your period.
- Pelvic pain and stomach discomfort are affecting your routine life.
- You are planning a pregnancy
Depending on your fertility goals and overall health, your gynecologist will recommend a treatment that helps manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.