Possible Locations of Endometriosis

Endometriosis symptoms in relation to location of the disease in the body

Reproductive Area Endometriosis

There are various areas where endometrial tissue can develop in the pelvic cavity including:
• Ovaries
• The outside surface of the uterus
• Fallopian tubes
• Ligaments supporting the uterus
• Internal region between the rectum and the vagina
• Lining of the pelvic cavity
• Intestines
• Bowels
• Other organs within the abdomen

Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain is one of the most common symptoms of Endometriosis. The pelvic pain of Endometriosis can be excruciating and debilitating for many women. It may be experienced constantly, it may be intermittent or it may be related solely to the menstrual period. Pain can be provoked by certain activities such as walking, standing too long etc., or it may occur unpredictably.
Occasionally abdominal and pelvic pain may be caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). These two diseases are quite common together, so it is advised to take note of the times you experience pelvic pain, as it may coincide after meal times.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is another common but poorly recognized symptom that often accompanies period pain. It is commonly associated with endometriosis in the pouch of Douglas, uterosacral ligaments, and rectovaginal septum.

Ovulation Pain

Ovulation pain can occur in women who do not have Endometriosis, but this pain will normally be a small twinge. In women with Endometriosis, ovulation pain can be rather acute. Pain usually begins 12-24 hours before ovulation and may last for a few days. It results from the normal enlargement of the ovary during ovulation which causes stretching of endometrial implants and adhesions lying on the surface of the ovary. The pain is often described as ‘stabbing’ and it may radiate throughout the pelvic area and into the buttocks and thighs.

The Main Reproductive symptoms of Endometriosis are:

• Chronic or intermittent pelvic pain
• Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation is not normal!)
• Infertility
• Miscarriage(s)
• Painful ovulation

Uterosacral/Presacral Nerve Endometriosis

• Backache
• Leg pain
• Painful Intercourse

Cul-de-sac ("Pouch of Douglas") Endometriosis

• Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Pain after intercourse
Gastrointestinal Endometriosis

(rectosigmoid colon, rectovaginal septum, small bowel, rectum, large bowel, appendix, gallbladder, intestinal tract)
The bowel symptoms of endometriosis are often overlooked or dismissed because many people think endometriosis affects only the reproductive organs. Many bowel symptoms are caused by irritation to the bowel from endometrial implants lying on adjacent areas such as the Pouch of Douglas and the back of the uterus, but some are due to endometrial deposits lying on the outside of the bowel wall.

The gastrointestinal disorder which is most common with Endometriosis is Irritable Bowel Syndrome which can cause many of the bowel symptoms mentioned above. Candida has also been found to be prevalent in women with Endometriosis, and this too can cause many distressing digestive upsets and discomfort.

The main gastrointestinal symptoms of Endometriosis are:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Blood in stool
• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Rectal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Tailbone pain
• Abdominal cramping
• Constipation
• Sharp gas pains
• Painful bowel movements

Other Locations and Symptoms of Endometriosis

Urinary Tract (bladder, kidneys, uretheras, and urethra) Endometriosis

The urinary tract symptoms of Endometriosis are usually the result of endometriosis lying on the outside of the bladder or irritation from endometrial implants lying on the front of the uterus.
The main symptoms of urinary tract Endometriosis are:

• Blood in urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Hypertension
• Tenderness around the kidneys
• Flank pain radiating toward the groin
• Urinary frequency, retention, or urgency

Pleural (lung & chest cavity) Endometriosis

Very occasionally Endometriosis can travel to the lungs, which will give rise to strange symptoms, and are usually relate to the menstrual cycle.
• Coughing up of blood or bloody sputum, particularly coinciding with menses
• Accumulation of air or gas in the chest cavity
• Constricting chest pain and/or shoulder pain
• Collection of blood and/or pulmonary nodule in chest cavity (revealed under testing)
• Shortness of breath

Sciatic Endometriosis/ Hip pains

Hip pain or pain that radiates from the buttock and down the leg is common in women where endometriosis has affected the sciatic nerve. Also, endometriosis in the groin area can feel like hip pain.

On occasion endometrial adhesions can restrict the hip ligaments, causing pain and limping. Hip joint pain that worsens in a cyclical fashion in line with the menstrual cycle will usually be caused by endometriosis.

Surgical treatment to remove endometrial implants is sometimes undertaken in hope of relieving the hip joint pain associated with endometriosis.

Skin Endometriosis

• Painful nodules, often visible to the naked eye, at the skin's surface. Can bleed during menses and/or appear blue upon inspection.

Dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse)

Dyspareunia is a common symptom of Endometriosis. Pain may be felt during intercourse as well as up to 48 hours after sexual activity. It is often associated with endometriosis in the pouch of Douglas or adhesions in the pelvic cavity. (see glossary on home page)
Fatigue

Fatigue and Endometriosis seem to go hand in hand. No-one knows what causes the acute fatigue women suffer with Endometriosis, and is not often recognized as a symptom of Endometriosis.
Fatigue can be one of the most debilitating aspects of the disease, and most women with endometriosis experience fatigue around the time of their period and some experience it throughout the month. The fatigue may be related to the constant pain and/or medication, or it could be the bodies reaction to the disease at a deeper level. For advice on how to cope with the fatigue of Endometriosis go to http://www.bedlinenstyle.com/endotreatments/

Abdominal Bloating

Abdominal bloating may be a sign of endometriosis. It is thought to be due to inflammation in the pelvic cavity caused by the endometriosis. As mentioned above, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause pelvic pain, and can also cause severe abdominal bloating. With IBS, the bloating is usually caused by intestinal gasses which expand and distend the abdomen and can cause severe pain and discomfort. IBS is very common in women with Endometriosis.