Future Health Frontiers Q&A Women’s Health

How women themselves can detect endometriosis early

Asked by:Anna

Asked on:Apr 12, 2026 05:27 PM

Answers:1 Views:341
  • Darlene Darlene

    Apr 12, 2026

    Women can detect endometriosis early by observing dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, abnormal bleeding, discomfort during defecation, and infertility. Endometriosis is mainly characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, commonly found in the ovaries, pelvis and other parts of the body.

    1. Aggravation of dysmenorrhea:

    Progressive aggravation of dysmenorrhea is a typical symptom. The pain usually occurs 1-2 days before menstruation and lasts until the end of menstruation. It may be related to the stimulation of pelvic nerves by periodic bleeding from ectopic endometrium. If conventional analgesics (such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, and celecoxib capsules) cannot provide relief, it is recommended to see a gynecologist as soon as possible and conduct a preliminary screening through pelvic ultrasound.

    2. Pain during sexual intercourse:

    Deep sexual intercourse is more common in uterine rectal depressions or sacral ligament ectopic lesions, and the pain is sharp or dull. The lesions may cause local inflammatory reaction due to mechanical traction. Such symptoms need to be differentiated from diseases such as vaginitis, and diagnosis can be aided by gynecological examination and tumor marker CA125 testing.

    3. Abnormal menstrual bleeding:

    Incomplete menstruation or increased menstrual flow may be related to the impact of ovarian endometriosis cysts on hormone secretion. Some patients will experience brown discharge. Transvaginal ultrasound can observe the thickness of the endometrium and the characteristics of ovarian cysts. If necessary, hysteroscopy is required to rule out endometrial lesions.

    4. Abnormal defecation:

    Intestinal ectopic lesions may cause menstrual diarrhea, constipation or painful defecation, and in severe cases, bloody stools. The lesions are mostly located on the anterior wall of the rectum, and digital rectal examination or magnetic resonance imaging can help locate them. It needs to be differentiated from irritable bowel syndrome to avoid missed diagnosis.

    5. Infertility:

    About 40% of patients suffer from infertility, caused by pelvic adhesions, fallopian tube blockage or decreased egg quality. Basic sex hormone testing and hysterosalpingogram can assess fertility. For those who need fertility, it is recommended to seek medical advice as soon as possible to formulate an individualized plan.

    It is necessary to record the menstrual cycle, pain level and accompanying symptoms on a daily basis to avoid strenuous exercise aggravating pelvic congestion. An appropriate amount of vitamin E soft capsules can be supplemented to regulate endocrine, but the diagnosis requires laparoscopy. Women over 30 years old are recommended to have annual gynecological examinations, especially high-risk groups with family history or early menarche or short cycles. If the above symptoms persist for more than 3 months, you should see a gynecologist or reproductive center in time.

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