What are the symptoms of endometriosis?!

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

I often get pain in my abdomen on the 2nd and 3rd day of my period, making my abdomen feel heavy. It is somtimes uncomfortable going to the bathroom during this time. I complain to my doctor, but he tells me that its normal. Is there a test that i can ask my doctor for to detect it, if it is endo?

The hallmark symptom most associated with Endo is pelvic pain at any point in the cycle. However, some women don't even realize that they have the disease until it is diagnosed as part of an infertility work-up (Endo is one of the leading causes of female primary and secondary infertility). Pain that interupts your life is never normal and is your body's way of giving you a sign that something is wrong.

Endo can only be diagnosed surgically through the laparoscopy or laparotomy, but it can be suspected based on symptoms, family history, etc.

There is no absolute cure, but there are treatments than can help. I suggest reading http://www.endocenter.org/pdf/2007screen... and using the interactive tools there to have a discussion with your doctor about the next step. There is a symptom checklist and a pain journal which can be very helpful; if he won't take your pain and symptoms seriously, find another doctor who will.

Endometriosis affects over 70 million women and girls around the world and is the leading cause of pelvic pain; pain is never normal and deserves to be addressed appropriately by your healthcare provider.

See also http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/erc... for more info and support. Good luck to you.