Symptoms
What are the key symptoms of endometriosis?
The short answer
Endometriosis often shows up as pelvic pain, especially painful periods and pain with sex, which can spread to the back or legs. Many people also have bowel or bladder symptoms that flare cyclically, and endometriosis can be associated with difficulty conceiving.
Endometriosis often shows up as pelvic pain, especially painful periods and pain with sex. The pain can radiate to the back or legs. Many people also experience bowel or bladder symptoms that flare cyclically, such as pain with bowel movements, constipation or diarrhea around periods, urinary urgency, or bladder pain.
Endometriosis can also be associated with difficulty conceiving, even when imaging looks normal. Symptoms can vary by lesion location and depth, so we look at the full pattern of pain over time, not just a single symptom. Our team can help you map symptoms to likely drivers and plan next steps that fit your goals.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Step 3 · Speak with Us
Recognize Endometriosis Symptoms
Pelvic pain, painful periods, and discomfort during sex are common signs of endometriosis. Our specialists help you understand your symptoms and guide the path to relief.
Questions people ask next
All symptoms questionsAre painful periods normal or a sign of endometriosis?
Mild period cramping can be common, but endometriosis and adenomyosis are two common causes of intense period pain. Severe, worsening, or disabling pain, especially when it keeps you home from school or work, is a signal to look deeper.
Is pain during sex a sign of endometriosis?
Yes, deep pain during sex or aching afterward can be a sign of endometriosis. Pain with sex is not specific to endometriosis: pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, vaginal dryness, fibroids, bladder pain conditions, and infections can cause similar symptoms.
What are the symptoms of bowel endometriosis?
Bowel endometriosis can cause lower abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea, nausea, and pain with bowel movements. Symptoms may fluctuate with your menstrual cycle, and some people notice rectal bleeding, especially around menstruation.
How do I tell endometriosis from IBS, IC, or pelvic floor dysfunction?
Timing is a key clue: endometriosis symptoms may flare around periods, ovulation, or deep penetrative sex. IBS is more linked to meals and stress; IC commonly causes urinary symptoms with negative urine cultures, while pelvic floor dysfunction tends to cause muscle spasm and pain with sitting.
Further reading
How to Recognize Endometriosis Symptoms
Recognize endometriosis: painful periods, GI and urinary symptoms, dyspareunia, infertility. Understand causes, complications, diagnosis, and medical/surgical treatment options.
Different Types of Endometriosis Pain Explained
Explore types of endometriosis pain, evaluation, and evidence-based treatments, including triggers, pelvic floor therapy, CNS sensitization, and adenomyosis.
Bowel Endometriosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Bowel endometriosis explained: locations, symptoms, causes, diagnosis and misdiagnosis, plus treatments from minimally invasive surgery to lifestyle changes.
