
The two most common are imaging tests - ultrasound, a machine that uses sound waves to produce images of organs and systems within the body and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a machine that uses magnets and radio waves to provide an image. How do I know if I have endometriosis?Ĭurrently, health care providers use a number of tests for endometriosis. For those with endometriosis-related infertility, it is often treated successfully with hormones and surgery. While the pregnancy rates for patients with endometriosis remain lower than those of the general population, most patients with endometriosis do not experience fertility problems. It is considered one of the three major causes of female infertility about 30 percent to 40 percent of women with endometriosis are infertile. Severe endometriosis with extensive scarring and organ damage may affect fertility. Some studies suggest that you may lower your chances of developing endometriosis if you exercise regularly and avoid alcohol and caffeine. How can I reduce my chances of getting endometriosis? have a close relative (mother, aunt, sister) with endometriosis.have a short monthly cycle (27 days or less).have periods that last more than seven days.began getting your period at an early age.You are more likely to develop endometriosis if you: What can raise my chances of getting endometriosis? heavy menstrual periods, or spotting or bleeding between periods.painful bowel movements or painful urination during menstrual periods.

extremely painful (or disabling) menstrual cramps.The following are some symptoms of endometriosis: Some women, on the other hand, have severe pain even though they have only a few small areas of endometriosis. Some women experience no pain even though their endometriosis is extensive, which means that the affected areas are large or there is scarring. The severity of pain a woman feels is not linked to the amount of endometriosis. One of the most common symptoms of endometriosis is pain, mostly in the abdomen, lower back and pelvic areas. What are some symptoms of endometriosis?Įndometriosis can affect a menstruating woman, from the time of her first period to menopause.

In extremely rare cases, endometriosis areas can grow in the lungs or other parts of the body.
