Endometriosis symptoms

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Dr. Geoffrey Cly from Northeast OB/Gyn explains the symptoms of endometriosis.

"There really is no rhyme or reason to the amount of endo or a person's amount of pain," Dr. Cly said.

Endometriosis does have symptoms, but they can be different in every patient. Dr. Cly explained that sometimes women with a lot of endo don't have a lot of pain and some women with a lot of pain don't have severe endometriosis.

The main symptom of endo is having painful periods.

"Painful periods, heavy periods, affecting their ability to function," Dr. Cly said. "It's more than just cramps. It's cramps that become disableing. It seems to be a pattern and you can't work, can't go to school, can't function. [Perhaps] you tried motrin or birth control pills and it's still happening."

Other symptoms can include bladder pain, bowel problems and pain during intercourse.

I had pretty painful periods all my life, but I just toughed it out and chalked it up to that's how I was built. It took an endo growth showing up in my belly button for me to go to the doctor. Dr. Cly said it's common for women to put off going to the doctor.

"Let's face it. Women are tougher than guys. Women put up with a lot of pain and symptoms. I think women are made that way," Dr. Cly said. "A lot of times they can tolerate a lot and by the time they get in, it's been going on for a while."

The longer the endo goes untreated, however, the worse it gets. Every period can make it grow. Dr. Cly recommends if a women suspects endometriosis, it's a good idea to go to the doctor.

"Just say you are worried about endometriosis... and they'll guide you through that," Dr. Cly said.

Endometriosis left untreated too long can lead to infertility. Many women don't discover they have endo until they try to get pregnant and can't.