Endometriosis is a common condition where tissue similar to the lining of your womb (endometrium) starts to grow elsewhere and attaches to other organs, such as your ovaries and fallopian tubes. This can cause severe period pain, as well as chronic (long-term) pain outside of your periods and fertility problems.
What does endometriosis pain feel like?
Endometriosis pain can feel like very painful period cramps. You may also have other symptoms including:
Pelvic pain
As endometrium tissue grows elsewhere in your pelvis, it can cause pelvic pain.
Back pain
Endometrium tissue can adhere to your lower back and front of your pelvis, causing back pain.
Leg pain
Endometrium tissue can grow on or around your sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back, down your legs and to your toes. This can cause leg pain, which may feel sharp, stabbing, throbbing, dull or like a twinge or leg cramp. It may also make it difficult to walk comfortably and stand up quickly.
Pain during sex
Endometrial tissue can cause scarring, which results in the formation of nodules that hurt when moved or touched. These nodules can develop in your womb, entrance to your womb (cervix) or pelvis, causing sharp pain during sex, either in your vagina or abdomen.
Painful bowel movements
Endometrial tissue can grow between your vagina and bowels. This is called rectovaginal endometriosis and can cause sharp pain, as well as:
- Diarrhoea
- Difficulty urinating
- Irritable bowels
- Pain when opening your bowels
Symptoms of endometriosis pain
Endometriosis can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Anaemia
- Extremely painful cramps
- Gastrointestinal symptoms — this includes:
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Food intolerances
- Nausea
- Headaches and difficulty concentrating
- Symptoms that affect your reproductive system — this includes:
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Heavy periods
- Ovarian cysts
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting in between your periods
Getting a diagnosis for endometriosis
The symptoms of endometriosis vary and also overlap with several other conditions. This makes it difficult to diagnose. According to Endometriosis UK, it takes around eight years from the start of symptoms to getting a diagnosis of endometriosis.
The endometrial tissue that grows outside the womb often can’t be detected by a sonogram, ultrasound scan or MRI scan. A diagnosis is often only confirmed after a minimally invasive surgical procedure called a laparoscopy.
Finding relief from endometriosis pain
There are steps you can take to manage your endometriosis symptoms yourself, including:
- Applying a heat pack to relieve abdominal, back and pelvic pain
- Exercising — light to moderate exercise may reduce the spread of endometrial tissue outside your womb
- Keeping a food diary to determine if certain foods worsen your symptoms (eg bloating)
- Taking over-the-counter painkillers and/or anti-inflammatory drugs
Endometriosis pain FAQs
How painful is dysmenorrhea?
Pain from dysmenorrhea varies in intensity. For some women, the pain is mild and lasts only one to two days. For others the pain persists for the duration of their period and is so severe that they can’t perform their usual daily activities.
When should you go to the hospital for severe period cramps?
If your period pain is so severe that you are doubled over in pain, fainting or vomiting, call NHS 111. They will talk to you about your symptoms and may suggest you go to hospital.
Why is my period pain unbearable?
Severe period pain can be caused by a variety of underlying health conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (a severe form of PMS).
Do periods get more painful with age?
Some women develop more painful and/or heavier periods after age 40. If your period pain is affecting your quality of life or you are concerned, see your GP.
