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Mild Endometriosis Symptoms

Endometriosis is a condition that affects as many as 20 percent of women of childbearing age, according to the National Women's Health Information Center. It is caused by the endometrial tissue, which lines the uterus, spreading to other organs in the abdominal cavity. When endometrial tissue is present outside of the uterus, it continues to react to a woman's monthly hormonal fluctuations, resulting in abdominal and pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, and digestive problems or cramping.

  1. Stages of Endometriosis

    • Endometriosis is categorized by the extent of the abnormal spreading of endometrial tissue. Stages of endometriosis include minimal (Stage 1), mild (Stage 2), moderate (Stage 3) or severe (Stage 4). Because symptoms of the disorder can vary greatly from case to case, staging is assigned based on the location and number of "points" of endometriosis that can be seen, as well as their depth. Mild endometriosis is diagnosed for cases with six to 15 points.

    Variance of Symptoms

    • Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms that women experience are quite variable. For example, women with any stage of endometriosis may have severe pain or none at all, and may or may not have fertility problems that often accompany the disorder. It is for this reason that a definitive diagnosis of endometriosis can be made only by an examination of the pelvic organs via a surgical incision or laparoscopy.

    Pelvic and Abdominal Pain

    • Many women with any stage of endometriosis experience some amount of abdominal or pelvic pain. This pain may occur at various points in the menstrual cycle, primarily before or during the period, or as a result of certain activities. Pain during intercourse, or before or during bowel movements, is common. The pain can range from dull and aching to sharp and stabbing. Experts believe this pain is a result of the reaction of endometrial tissue to hormonal fluctuations.

    Irregular Bleeding

    • Irregular bleeding, or dysmenorrhea, may be characterized by excessively long or heavy periods, spotting, or unusually short cycles (less than 21 days between periods). Heavy bleeding not only can interfere with a woman's abilities to carry out her daily activities but also can result in anemia and fatigue.

    Infertility

    • Endometriosis is one of the top three reasons for women to experience infertility, according to the Endometriosis Foundation of America. Although it is not always clear how endometriosis prevents pregnancy, there is a correlation between treatment of endometriosis and a return to fertility. Women with mild endometriosis are as likely as those with cases classified as moderate or severe to have difficulties getting pregnant.

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