What Does Endometriosis Feel Like? 25 Signs to Know About

Endometriosis can feel different for everyone. For some people, it causes severe period pain. For others, it can cause stomach problems, back pain, tiredness, bladder symptoms or pain throughout the month.

It is also possible to have endometriosis without having every symptom on this list.

The most important thing to remember is this: pain that stops you from going to school, working, sleeping or enjoying your life should not be ignored.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body.

It is most often found around the pelvis, including near the ovaries, bowel and bladder. It can cause inflammation, scar tissue, pain and other symptoms.

25 possible signs of endometriosis

1. Very painful periods

Some cramping can happen during a period, but pain that leaves you unable to get out of bed, attend school or go to work is not something you should have to simply put up with.

2. Pelvic pain throughout the month

Endometriosis pain does not always happen only during your period. Some people have pelvic pain most days or at different points in their cycle.

3. Heavy bleeding

You may need to change pads, tampons or period products very often, bleed through clothing or bedding, or pass large clots.

4. Pain around ovulation

Some people experience strong pain in the middle of their cycle when they ovulate.

5. Pain during or after sex

This may feel like deep pain inside the pelvis rather than discomfort near the surface.

6. Lower-back pain

Back pain may become worse before or during your period.

7. Hip pain

Pain may be felt around one or both hips and can sometimes spread into the pelvis or legs.

8. Leg pain or sciatica

This may feel like aching, burning, tingling, numbness or shooting pain down the leg.

9. Endo belly

“Endo belly” is a term many patients use for painful or sudden bloating. Your stomach may feel swollen, hard or uncomfortable, and your clothes may suddenly feel tighter.

10. Painful bowel movements

Going to the bathroom may hurt, especially during your period.

11. Constipation

You may have trouble having a bowel movement or feel like you cannot fully empty your bowels.

12. Diarrhea

Loose or frequent bowel movements may become worse around your period.

13. Switching between constipation and diarrhea

Some people experience both at different times in their cycle.

14. Pain when urinating

You may feel pressure, burning or pain, especially during your period.

15. Needing to urinate often

You may feel like you need to use the bathroom more frequently or urgently.

16. Blood in your urine or stool

This should always be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially if it happens around your period.

17. Extreme tiredness

Endometriosis fatigue can feel like much more than being sleepy. Some people feel completely drained, even after resting.

18. Nausea

You may feel sick to your stomach before or during your period.

19. Vomiting during your period

Some people experience vomiting because of severe pain or nausea.

20. Shoulder pain

Pain near the shoulder, especially around your period, can sometimes be connected to endometriosis affecting the diaphragm.

21. Chest pain or trouble breathing

These symptoms are less common but should never be ignored. Seek urgent medical help for sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing.

22. Difficulty becoming pregnant

Some people first learn they may have endometriosis while looking into fertility concerns.

23. Pain that regular medication does not help

Over-the-counter pain medication may provide little relief or stop working as well over time.

24. Missing out because of pain

You may miss school, work, sports, family plans or time with friends because you are in pain or exhausted.

25. Feeling like something is not right

You know your body best. Even if your tests have been called “normal,” ongoing symptoms still deserve to be taken seriously.

Does everyone experience endometriosis in the same way?

No. Endometriosis can look and feel very different from one person to another.

Some people have severe pain, while others have milder symptoms. The amount of pain someone feels also does not always show how much endometriosis they have.

That is one reason the condition can be difficult to recognize.

When should you speak to a healthcare provider?

It may be time to ask for help if:

• Your periods stop you from doing normal activities.

• You regularly miss school or work because of pain.

• You have pelvic pain outside your period.

• Your bowel or bladder symptoms become worse during your cycle.

• You experience pain during sex.

• Pain medication is not helping.

• You feel that something is wrong.

Keeping a symptom diary can help. Write down when the pain happens, where you feel it, how strong it is and whether it changes with your cycle.

Can an ultrasound rule out endometriosis?

No. A normal ultrasound does not always mean that endometriosis is not present.

Some forms of endometriosis may be seen on specialized imaging, but others can be difficult to detect. A healthcare provider may also consider your symptoms, medical history and physical examination.

Getting help in Canada

A family doctor, nurse practitioner, walk-in clinic or virtual healthcare provider may be able to discuss your symptoms and refer you to a gynecologist.

When speaking with a healthcare provider, explain how your symptoms affect your daily life. For example:

“My period pain causes me to miss school every month.”

“I have bowel pain that becomes much worse during my period.”

“The pain is affecting my sleep, work and mental health.”

You deserve to be heard and taken seriously.

You are not alone

Living with unexplained pain can feel lonely and frustrating, especially when people keep telling you that it is “just a bad period.”

Your pain is real. Your symptoms matter. Asking for help is not being dramatic.

Endometriosis Canada offers education, advocacy and support for people living with endometriosis or trying to find answers.

Visit www.endometriosiscanada.org to learn more, join our support community or attend one of our weekly Endo Coffee Dates.

This article is for general education and is not a diagnosis or a replacement for medical advice. Seek urgent care for severe or sudden pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, chest pain or trouble breathing.