Endometriosis impacts women’s reproductive systems and is characterized by the growth of uterine lining outside the uterus. This condition, which affects 10 to 20% of women in America, often leads to the need to seek infertility treatment. That’s why fertility doctors and clinics across the country stress the importance of recognizing this women’s health issue. Here are a few signs to look out for, so you know when to visit your OB-GYN for a proper diagnosis.

4 Signs of Endometriosis

1. Sharp Pelvic Pain

While many women experience menstrual cramping each month, endometriosis often results in intense pelvic pain that starts before your period and continues for days. The pain is often referred to as a stabbing sensation in the belly that does not go away with over-the-counter pain medication. 

2. Digestive Trouble

When endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus on the ovaries and Fallopian tubes, digestive problems can also ensue. If you experience nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or severe pain when having a bowel movement that gets increasingly worse during your period, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist. 

3. Discomfort When Intimate

An influx of tissue growing outside the uterus can also make sexual intercourse uncomfortable. Patients with endometriosis typically describe pain during the act and for a few days afterward. The sensation can be a pelvic ache or a stabbing feeling. 

4. Back & Leg Pain

Endometriosis can negatively impact the nerve endings that connect the groin area to your lower extremities, which can result in difficulty walking or the need to limp. This, coupled with pelvic discomfort that may instinctively cause hunching, can also lead to lower back pain. 

If you have endometriosis and are concerned about your fertility, consult the Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute in Honolulu, HI. Since opening in 1985, their fertility doctors have specialized in IVF to help women with endometriosis and other infertility issues become pregnant. To schedule an appointment, call today at (808) 946-2226. For more information on their fertility doctors’ certifications and backgrounds, visit their website.