According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 5 million women in the United States have endometriosis. This is about 10 to 15 percent of all women in their reproductive years. However, the exact incidence of the condition is likely even higher. This is because women without symptoms or fertility problems may have endometriosis without knowing it. Consequently, they may never seek diagnosis or treatment.

Endometriosis can have a drastic effect on your life. It is a leading cause of infertility and can sometimes cause severe pain. However, it is treatable. If you have had, have, or think you may have endometriosis, there are things you can do to help you deal with your condition, its consequences and its treatment. These include:

1. Be aware of the signs or symptoms of endometriosis.
If you have endometriosis, you may experience pelvic pain, especially during menstruation or just before it begins. You may also feel pain during intercourse or painful urination or bowel movements during menstruation. Some women experience chronic pelvic or lower back pain. You may have unusually heavy menstrual bleeding or you may bleed vaginally before your menstrual period. You may also notice blood in your urine or stool. You may also feel very tired and weary. Infertility is also a possible sign of endometriosis.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately for evaluation. The sooner endometriosis is diagnosed, the less time it has to cause any damage. You may also have more options in how it is treated. Endometriosis symptoms are shared by other common and unrelated conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cysts, interstitial cystitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. It is important to determine if your symptoms are caused by endometriosis or another condition.