Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesTriggersSteps to TakeDiagnosisManaging CrampsFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Causes

Triggers

Steps to Take

Diagnosis

Managing Cramps

Frequently Asked Questions

If you experience unusuallypainful crampsduring your menstrual period, you might wonder if you haveendometriosis. Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. People might experience different kinds of pain, including:Painful menstrual crampsChronic lower back orpelvic painPainduring or after sexPainful bowel movementsIntestinal painSome people experience pain only during their menstrual period, while others notice discomfort at other times. Symptoms might be severe or barely noticeable.This article will explain what endometriosis cramps feel like and how to find relief.monkeybusinessimages / Getty ImagesEndometriosis Cramps ExplainedEndometriosisis a condition that happens when tissue that’s similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of theuterus, in areas of the body where it shouldn’t be. Experts have different theories about whatcausesendometriosis. Some believe it’s due to an immune system problem or an anatomic variation during development.Endometrial tissue in the uterus normally thickens every month and is shed during the menstrual period, leaving the body through menstrual blood. But with endometriosis, the tissue that grows outside of the uterus can’t exit the body like tissue in the uterus does.Because the tissue responds to hormonal stimulation, it can grow and bleed and cause problems. The bleeding can cause inflammation or irritation to the other organs in the abdomen and pelvis. The tissue can also stick together or cause scar tissue to form. This can also cause pain.The type of pain associated with endometriosis depends on where the misplaced tissue has grown. It can grow in different places in the body. Some common sites include on the uterus, thefallopian tubes, the bladder, and the bowels or rectum, and around or inside theovaries.Severity of PainThe amount of pain a person experiences from endometriosis doesn’t always correlate with the severity of the disease. Some people with very severe endometriosis don’t notice any pain. Others with more mild disease may have extreme symptoms.How Do I Know If I Have Bowel Endometriosis?Compared to Menstrual CrampsTypically, menstrual cramps are mild to moderate. Symptoms of endometriosis can vary widely, but they can be much more intense and severe than typical menstrual cramps. Sometimes the pain is so severe that it may make you unable to go to work or school or manage your daily activities.A person may experience endometriosis pain during their period, but symptoms can occur at other times, too.Cramping After Sex: Is It Normal, Causes in Men and WomenLocation and IntensityEndometriosis pain is commonly felt in the abdomen, lower back, or pelvis. But, where it occurs in the body might depend on where the endometrial tissue is located. People have alsoreported painin the lungs, upper body, head, and lower limbs.In surveys, people with endometriosis describe the pain as:StabbingSharpThrobbingGnawingIntenseCrampingIn one study, most of the people with endometriosis reported multiple types of pain, including:Pain during their menstrual periodPain during or after sexLow back painPain at ovulationPelvic pain not associated with sex, urination, ovulation, or menstrual periodsPainful urinationRectal painAdenomyosis PainAdenomyosisis a condition that’s similar to endometriosis. However, adenomyosis occurs when tissue that acts like the lining of the uterus grows in the muscular wall of the uterus. You can have both adenomyosis and endometriosis at the same time, or each of these conditions may develop on its own.Associated Pelvic Floor PainsEndometriosis may cause scar tissue to develop in the pelvis or acyst(a fluid-filled sac) to form in an ovary, which can lead to pelvic pain.In rare cases, endometriosis mayaffect the sciatic nerveand cause symptoms like tingling, pressure, and radiating back pain that travels down the leg.Frequency: Cyclical or ChronicEndometriosis is considered a chronic disease.Some people experience symptoms that are continuous or occur with specific activity (such as sex). Others notice cyclical discomfort, meaning it worsens and improves at different times, often during their menstrual period.Other SymptomsBesides pain, endometriosis can cause other symptoms and complications, including:Abnormal vaginal bleedingInfertilityFatigueDigestive problems likediarrheaorconstipationTriggersCertain triggers might worsen symptoms of endometriosis. Hormonal changes during a person’s menstrual cycle are a common cause.Some research has shown certain foods or substances may also trigger symptoms, although the studies conducted are generally subject to bias, and therefore no definitive treatment guidelines can be drawn.The Endometriosis Foundation of America suggests avoiding the following:Processed foodsCaffeineAlcoholSoyDairyRed meatGlutenSweets and high-fat foodsNonorganic foodsAlways consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.Steps to Take for Debilitating CrampsPainful cramps can interfere with daily activities, but there are some simple lifestyle habits that can lessen the discomfort.Self-CareTaking good care of yourself and managing stress levels may help you better deal with pain. You should consume a healthy diet and exercise daily if possible. Additionally, getting enough rest is important for your overall health, especially if you’re dealing with chronic pain.Heat TherapySome people find thatheat therapycan help relieve cramping symptoms. You can place a hot water bottle or heating pad on your belly. Or, you can take a warm bath. The heat helps loosen muscles, which may lessen the intensity of cramps.Over-the-Counter PainkillersOver-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), can help keep pain at bay.Speak to a Healthcare ProviderIf your pain is severe or frequent, consult a healthcare provider. They can help you determine if your cramps are due to endometriosis or another condition.Diagnosing EndometriosisA healthcare provider will take your medical history and report of symptoms and conduct a physical examination andpelvic exam. Imaging such asultrasound,computed tomography (CT) scan, ormagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)may be performed.If endometriosis is suspected, the healthcare provider may perform a laparoscopy procedure. This involves inserting a small camera into the abdomen to look for signs of disease. Abiopsy(removing a sample of tissue for analysis in a lab) may be performed.A Challenging Diagnosis?Endometriosis is often difficult to diagnose. Research shows it takes 10 years, on average, before a person in the United States will receive a correctdiagnosis.5 Ways to Manage Endometriosis CrampsDifferent treatment options are available to help manage the pain of endometriosis cramps. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which types are best for you.Work-Life BalanceEndometriosis cramps can interfere with daily tasks, including your professional life. According to one study, about 40% of people with endometriosis reported impaired career growth due to their disease, and about half said they experienced a decreased ability to work.It’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance, so you can address your symptoms and keep your stress levels in check.Support GroupsTalking to others who are experiencing the same disease as you can be therapeutic.Support groupsoffer a platform for people with endometriosis to connect. Options include both virtual and in-person sessions.MedicationPrescription pain medicines and hormonal therapies are commonly used to help ease symptoms of endometriosis. Some hormonal options are:Birth control pillsGonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) medicinesDanazol (danocrine)SurgicalSome people with endometriosis are candidates for surgical procedures. A surgeon may take out abnormal tissue using a laparoscope. Another option is ahysterectomyto remove the uterus.Treating Fertility ProblemsDifferent medication andtreatment optionsare available to help people with endometriosis increase their chances of becoming pregnant.TherapyPeople with a chronic pain condition like endometriosis may be prone to experiencing depression or anxiety.Different types of therapy, such ascognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), help address these conditions.SummaryEndometriosis can cause intense, painful cramping that interferes with daily living. Some people also experience infertility, intestinal problems, and fatigue. While there’s no cure, endometriosis sometimes goes away on its own. There are also several treatment options and lifestyle remedies available to help you manage the pain.If you experience severe and painful cramps during your period, while having sex, or at other times, talk to a healthcare provider. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important, so you can start on treatments to ease your discomfort.Frequently Asked QuestionsThough symptoms vary from person to person, some describe their endometriosis cramps as feeling like contractions that come and go and mimic those oflabor pains. It’s important to note that not all people will experience such intense pain.If you experience constant pain, you should talk to a healthcare provider. Different treatment options, including medicines and surgery, are available to help you deal with the discomfort.Learn MoreDiagnosing EndometriosisFor some people, endometriosis pain comes and goes, while others experience constant pain. Sometimes, endometriosis improves aftermenopause. Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis, so you’ll likely know that it’s returning if you’re feeling pain, especially around the time of your period or during sex.Learn MoreStages of Endometriosis

If you experience unusuallypainful crampsduring your menstrual period, you might wonder if you haveendometriosis. Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. People might experience different kinds of pain, including:

Some people experience pain only during their menstrual period, while others notice discomfort at other times. Symptoms might be severe or barely noticeable.

This article will explain what endometriosis cramps feel like and how to find relief.

monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images

Woman wearing pajamas lying in bed with hot water bottle for cramps

Endometriosis Cramps Explained

Endometriosisis a condition that happens when tissue that’s similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of theuterus, in areas of the body where it shouldn’t be. Experts have different theories about whatcausesendometriosis. Some believe it’s due to an immune system problem or an anatomic variation during development.

Endometrial tissue in the uterus normally thickens every month and is shed during the menstrual period, leaving the body through menstrual blood. But with endometriosis, the tissue that grows outside of the uterus can’t exit the body like tissue in the uterus does.

Because the tissue responds to hormonal stimulation, it can grow and bleed and cause problems. The bleeding can cause inflammation or irritation to the other organs in the abdomen and pelvis. The tissue can also stick together or cause scar tissue to form. This can also cause pain.

The type of pain associated with endometriosis depends on where the misplaced tissue has grown. It can grow in different places in the body. Some common sites include on the uterus, thefallopian tubes, the bladder, and the bowels or rectum, and around or inside theovaries.

Severity of PainThe amount of pain a person experiences from endometriosis doesn’t always correlate with the severity of the disease. Some people with very severe endometriosis don’t notice any pain. Others with more mild disease may have extreme symptoms.

Severity of Pain

The amount of pain a person experiences from endometriosis doesn’t always correlate with the severity of the disease. Some people with very severe endometriosis don’t notice any pain. Others with more mild disease may have extreme symptoms.

How Do I Know If I Have Bowel Endometriosis?

Compared to Menstrual Cramps

Typically, menstrual cramps are mild to moderate. Symptoms of endometriosis can vary widely, but they can be much more intense and severe than typical menstrual cramps. Sometimes the pain is so severe that it may make you unable to go to work or school or manage your daily activities.

A person may experience endometriosis pain during their period, but symptoms can occur at other times, too.

Cramping After Sex: Is It Normal, Causes in Men and Women

Location and Intensity

Endometriosis pain is commonly felt in the abdomen, lower back, or pelvis. But, where it occurs in the body might depend on where the endometrial tissue is located. People have alsoreported painin the lungs, upper body, head, and lower limbs.

In surveys, people with endometriosis describe the pain as:

In one study, most of the people with endometriosis reported multiple types of pain, including:

Adenomyosis PainAdenomyosisis a condition that’s similar to endometriosis. However, adenomyosis occurs when tissue that acts like the lining of the uterus grows in the muscular wall of the uterus. You can have both adenomyosis and endometriosis at the same time, or each of these conditions may develop on its own.

Adenomyosis Pain

Adenomyosisis a condition that’s similar to endometriosis. However, adenomyosis occurs when tissue that acts like the lining of the uterus grows in the muscular wall of the uterus. You can have both adenomyosis and endometriosis at the same time, or each of these conditions may develop on its own.

Associated Pelvic Floor Pains

Endometriosis may cause scar tissue to develop in the pelvis or acyst(a fluid-filled sac) to form in an ovary, which can lead to pelvic pain.

In rare cases, endometriosis mayaffect the sciatic nerveand cause symptoms like tingling, pressure, and radiating back pain that travels down the leg.

Frequency: Cyclical or Chronic

Endometriosis is considered a chronic disease.Some people experience symptoms that are continuous or occur with specific activity (such as sex). Others notice cyclical discomfort, meaning it worsens and improves at different times, often during their menstrual period.

Other SymptomsBesides pain, endometriosis can cause other symptoms and complications, including:Abnormal vaginal bleedingInfertilityFatigueDigestive problems likediarrheaorconstipation

Other Symptoms

Besides pain, endometriosis can cause other symptoms and complications, including:Abnormal vaginal bleedingInfertilityFatigueDigestive problems likediarrheaorconstipation

Besides pain, endometriosis can cause other symptoms and complications, including:

Certain triggers might worsen symptoms of endometriosis. Hormonal changes during a person’s menstrual cycle are a common cause.

Some research has shown certain foods or substances may also trigger symptoms, although the studies conducted are generally subject to bias, and therefore no definitive treatment guidelines can be drawn.The Endometriosis Foundation of America suggests avoiding the following:

Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

Steps to Take for Debilitating Cramps

Painful cramps can interfere with daily activities, but there are some simple lifestyle habits that can lessen the discomfort.

Self-Care

Taking good care of yourself and managing stress levels may help you better deal with pain. You should consume a healthy diet and exercise daily if possible. Additionally, getting enough rest is important for your overall health, especially if you’re dealing with chronic pain.

Heat Therapy

Some people find thatheat therapycan help relieve cramping symptoms. You can place a hot water bottle or heating pad on your belly. Or, you can take a warm bath. The heat helps loosen muscles, which may lessen the intensity of cramps.

Over-the-Counter Painkillers

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), can help keep pain at bay.

Speak to a Healthcare Provider

If your pain is severe or frequent, consult a healthcare provider. They can help you determine if your cramps are due to endometriosis or another condition.

Diagnosing Endometriosis

A healthcare provider will take your medical history and report of symptoms and conduct a physical examination andpelvic exam. Imaging such asultrasound,computed tomography (CT) scan, ormagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)may be performed.

If endometriosis is suspected, the healthcare provider may perform a laparoscopy procedure. This involves inserting a small camera into the abdomen to look for signs of disease. Abiopsy(removing a sample of tissue for analysis in a lab) may be performed.

A Challenging Diagnosis?Endometriosis is often difficult to diagnose. Research shows it takes 10 years, on average, before a person in the United States will receive a correctdiagnosis.

A Challenging Diagnosis?

Endometriosis is often difficult to diagnose. Research shows it takes 10 years, on average, before a person in the United States will receive a correctdiagnosis.

5 Ways to Manage Endometriosis Cramps

Different treatment options are available to help manage the pain of endometriosis cramps. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which types are best for you.

Work-Life Balance

Endometriosis cramps can interfere with daily tasks, including your professional life. According to one study, about 40% of people with endometriosis reported impaired career growth due to their disease, and about half said they experienced a decreased ability to work.

It’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance, so you can address your symptoms and keep your stress levels in check.

Support Groups

Talking to others who are experiencing the same disease as you can be therapeutic.Support groupsoffer a platform for people with endometriosis to connect. Options include both virtual and in-person sessions.

Medication

Prescription pain medicines and hormonal therapies are commonly used to help ease symptoms of endometriosis. Some hormonal options are:

Surgical

Some people with endometriosis are candidates for surgical procedures. A surgeon may take out abnormal tissue using a laparoscope. Another option is ahysterectomyto remove the uterus.

Treating Fertility ProblemsDifferent medication andtreatment optionsare available to help people with endometriosis increase their chances of becoming pregnant.

Treating Fertility Problems

Different medication andtreatment optionsare available to help people with endometriosis increase their chances of becoming pregnant.

Therapy

People with a chronic pain condition like endometriosis may be prone to experiencing depression or anxiety.Different types of therapy, such ascognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), help address these conditions.

Summary

Endometriosis can cause intense, painful cramping that interferes with daily living. Some people also experience infertility, intestinal problems, and fatigue. While there’s no cure, endometriosis sometimes goes away on its own. There are also several treatment options and lifestyle remedies available to help you manage the pain.

If you experience severe and painful cramps during your period, while having sex, or at other times, talk to a healthcare provider. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important, so you can start on treatments to ease your discomfort.

Frequently Asked QuestionsThough symptoms vary from person to person, some describe their endometriosis cramps as feeling like contractions that come and go and mimic those oflabor pains. It’s important to note that not all people will experience such intense pain.If you experience constant pain, you should talk to a healthcare provider. Different treatment options, including medicines and surgery, are available to help you deal with the discomfort.Learn MoreDiagnosing EndometriosisFor some people, endometriosis pain comes and goes, while others experience constant pain. Sometimes, endometriosis improves aftermenopause. Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis, so you’ll likely know that it’s returning if you’re feeling pain, especially around the time of your period or during sex.Learn MoreStages of Endometriosis

Though symptoms vary from person to person, some describe their endometriosis cramps as feeling like contractions that come and go and mimic those oflabor pains. It’s important to note that not all people will experience such intense pain.

If you experience constant pain, you should talk to a healthcare provider. Different treatment options, including medicines and surgery, are available to help you deal with the discomfort.Learn MoreDiagnosing Endometriosis

If you experience constant pain, you should talk to a healthcare provider. Different treatment options, including medicines and surgery, are available to help you deal with the discomfort.

Learn MoreDiagnosing Endometriosis

For some people, endometriosis pain comes and goes, while others experience constant pain. Sometimes, endometriosis improves aftermenopause. Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis, so you’ll likely know that it’s returning if you’re feeling pain, especially around the time of your period or during sex.Learn MoreStages of Endometriosis

For some people, endometriosis pain comes and goes, while others experience constant pain. Sometimes, endometriosis improves aftermenopause. Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis, so you’ll likely know that it’s returning if you’re feeling pain, especially around the time of your period or during sex.

Learn MoreStages of Endometriosis

13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Endometriosis.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Endometriosis: overview.Cedars-Sinai.Endometriosis.Drabble SJ, Long J, Alele B, O’Cathain A.Constellations of pain: a qualitative study of the complexity of women’s endometriosis-related pain.Br J Pain. 2021;15(3):345-356. doi:10.1177/2049463720961413Markham R, Luscombe GM, Manconi F, Fraser IS.A detailed profile of pain in severe endometriosis.Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders. 2019;11(2):85-94. doi:10.1177/2284026519838948Antero MF, O’Sullivan D, Mandavilli S, Mullins J.High prevalence of endometriosis in patients with histologically proven adenomyosis.Fertility and Sterility. 2017;107(3):e46.UCSF Health.Pelvic pain causes.Saar TD, Pacquée S, Conrad DH, et al.Endometriosis involving the sciatic nerve: a case report of isolated endometriosis of the sciatic nerve and review of the literature.Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther. 2018;7(2):81-85. doi:10.4103%2FGMIT.GMIT_24_18Nirgianakis K, Egger K, Kalaitzopoulos DR, Lanz S, Bally L, Mueller MD.Effectiveness of dietary interventions in the treatment of endometriosis: a systematic review.Reprod Sci. 2022;29(1):26-42. doi:10.1007/s43032-020-00418-wEndometriosis Foundation of America.Check, please! The 10 foods endo women should avoid.Yale Medicine.Endometriosis.Sperschneider ML, Hengartner MP, Kohl-Schwartz A, et al.Does endometriosis affect professional life? A matched case-control study in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.BMJ Open. 2019;9(1):e019570. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019570Estes SJ, Huisingh CE, Chiuve SE, Petruski-Ivleva N, Missmer SA.Depression, anxiety, and self-directed violence in women with endometriosis: a retrospective matched-cohort study.Am J Epidemiol. 2021;190(5):843-852. doi:10.1093/aje/kwaa249

13 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Endometriosis.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Endometriosis: overview.Cedars-Sinai.Endometriosis.Drabble SJ, Long J, Alele B, O’Cathain A.Constellations of pain: a qualitative study of the complexity of women’s endometriosis-related pain.Br J Pain. 2021;15(3):345-356. doi:10.1177/2049463720961413Markham R, Luscombe GM, Manconi F, Fraser IS.A detailed profile of pain in severe endometriosis.Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders. 2019;11(2):85-94. doi:10.1177/2284026519838948Antero MF, O’Sullivan D, Mandavilli S, Mullins J.High prevalence of endometriosis in patients with histologically proven adenomyosis.Fertility and Sterility. 2017;107(3):e46.UCSF Health.Pelvic pain causes.Saar TD, Pacquée S, Conrad DH, et al.Endometriosis involving the sciatic nerve: a case report of isolated endometriosis of the sciatic nerve and review of the literature.Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther. 2018;7(2):81-85. doi:10.4103%2FGMIT.GMIT_24_18Nirgianakis K, Egger K, Kalaitzopoulos DR, Lanz S, Bally L, Mueller MD.Effectiveness of dietary interventions in the treatment of endometriosis: a systematic review.Reprod Sci. 2022;29(1):26-42. doi:10.1007/s43032-020-00418-wEndometriosis Foundation of America.Check, please! The 10 foods endo women should avoid.Yale Medicine.Endometriosis.Sperschneider ML, Hengartner MP, Kohl-Schwartz A, et al.Does endometriosis affect professional life? A matched case-control study in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.BMJ Open. 2019;9(1):e019570. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019570Estes SJ, Huisingh CE, Chiuve SE, Petruski-Ivleva N, Missmer SA.Depression, anxiety, and self-directed violence in women with endometriosis: a retrospective matched-cohort study.Am J Epidemiol. 2021;190(5):843-852. doi:10.1093/aje/kwaa249

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Endometriosis.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Endometriosis: overview.Cedars-Sinai.Endometriosis.Drabble SJ, Long J, Alele B, O’Cathain A.Constellations of pain: a qualitative study of the complexity of women’s endometriosis-related pain.Br J Pain. 2021;15(3):345-356. doi:10.1177/2049463720961413Markham R, Luscombe GM, Manconi F, Fraser IS.A detailed profile of pain in severe endometriosis.Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders. 2019;11(2):85-94. doi:10.1177/2284026519838948Antero MF, O’Sullivan D, Mandavilli S, Mullins J.High prevalence of endometriosis in patients with histologically proven adenomyosis.Fertility and Sterility. 2017;107(3):e46.UCSF Health.Pelvic pain causes.Saar TD, Pacquée S, Conrad DH, et al.Endometriosis involving the sciatic nerve: a case report of isolated endometriosis of the sciatic nerve and review of the literature.Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther. 2018;7(2):81-85. doi:10.4103%2FGMIT.GMIT_24_18Nirgianakis K, Egger K, Kalaitzopoulos DR, Lanz S, Bally L, Mueller MD.Effectiveness of dietary interventions in the treatment of endometriosis: a systematic review.Reprod Sci. 2022;29(1):26-42. doi:10.1007/s43032-020-00418-wEndometriosis Foundation of America.Check, please! The 10 foods endo women should avoid.Yale Medicine.Endometriosis.Sperschneider ML, Hengartner MP, Kohl-Schwartz A, et al.Does endometriosis affect professional life? A matched case-control study in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.BMJ Open. 2019;9(1):e019570. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019570Estes SJ, Huisingh CE, Chiuve SE, Petruski-Ivleva N, Missmer SA.Depression, anxiety, and self-directed violence in women with endometriosis: a retrospective matched-cohort study.Am J Epidemiol. 2021;190(5):843-852. doi:10.1093/aje/kwaa249

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Endometriosis.

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Endometriosis: overview.

Cedars-Sinai.Endometriosis.

Drabble SJ, Long J, Alele B, O’Cathain A.Constellations of pain: a qualitative study of the complexity of women’s endometriosis-related pain.Br J Pain. 2021;15(3):345-356. doi:10.1177/2049463720961413

Markham R, Luscombe GM, Manconi F, Fraser IS.A detailed profile of pain in severe endometriosis.Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders. 2019;11(2):85-94. doi:10.1177/2284026519838948

Antero MF, O’Sullivan D, Mandavilli S, Mullins J.High prevalence of endometriosis in patients with histologically proven adenomyosis.Fertility and Sterility. 2017;107(3):e46.

UCSF Health.Pelvic pain causes.

Saar TD, Pacquée S, Conrad DH, et al.Endometriosis involving the sciatic nerve: a case report of isolated endometriosis of the sciatic nerve and review of the literature.Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther. 2018;7(2):81-85. doi:10.4103%2FGMIT.GMIT_24_18

Nirgianakis K, Egger K, Kalaitzopoulos DR, Lanz S, Bally L, Mueller MD.Effectiveness of dietary interventions in the treatment of endometriosis: a systematic review.Reprod Sci. 2022;29(1):26-42. doi:10.1007/s43032-020-00418-w

Endometriosis Foundation of America.Check, please! The 10 foods endo women should avoid.

Yale Medicine.Endometriosis.

Sperschneider ML, Hengartner MP, Kohl-Schwartz A, et al.Does endometriosis affect professional life? A matched case-control study in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.BMJ Open. 2019;9(1):e019570. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019570

Estes SJ, Huisingh CE, Chiuve SE, Petruski-Ivleva N, Missmer SA.Depression, anxiety, and self-directed violence in women with endometriosis: a retrospective matched-cohort study.Am J Epidemiol. 2021;190(5):843-852. doi:10.1093/aje/kwaa249

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