Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This tissue can respond to hormones and cause inflammation, scarring, and pain.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can include painful periods, pelvic pain, pain with sex, painful bowel movements, painful urination during periods, heavy bleeding, fatigue, or difficulty getting pregnant.
Why it can be missed
Period pain is common, but severe pain that disrupts life should not be dismissed. Endometriosis can take time to diagnose because symptoms overlap with other pelvic and digestive conditions.
Endometriosis is different from PCOS, though both can affect reproductive health.