Q:   What does endometriosis feel like?
A:   Pain in the pelvic region is the most common symptom of the disease. Though some women who have endometriosis do not experience any symptoms. The degree of pain ranges from very mild to severe pain that can make it impossible for a woman to go about her normal life. Some women describe the pain as sharp and burning. It may last all month long, but is usually worse during menstruation, with deep penetration during sex, or with bowel movements. Some women report no pain at all. Other symptoms may include:

• abnormal menstrual bleeding
• severe menstrual cramps
• pelvic pain distinct from menstrual cramps
• backache
• pain during or after sexual penetration
• painful bowel movements
• pain with exercise
• painful pelvic examination

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Q:   How can I be sure I'm being diagnosed correctly if pain associated with the disease can often be confused with other medical problems?
A:   If laparoscopy is not performed, sometimes your health care professional will prescribe hormonal treatments assuming endometriosis exists. If there is a response and decreased pain, there is an assumption that endometriosis was indeed the cause of the pain. However, endometriosis cannot be definitively diagnosed without laparoscopy and biopsy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a peritoneal (tissue) biopsy to confirm the presence of endometrial lesions.

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