What Increases Your Risk

Your risk of endometriosis is higher if:

• You are between puberty and menopause (around age 50). After estrogen levels drop at menopause, your risk disappears.
• Your mother or sister has or had endometriosis. This makes it more likely you will have severe symptoms. This risk seems to be passed on by the mother.
• Your menstrual cycles are less than 28 days.
• Your menstrual flow is longer than 7 days.
• You started menstruation before age 12.
• You have never been pregnant.
• Your uterus, cervix, or vagina has an abnormal shape that blocks or slows menstrual flow.

When To Call a Doctor

Call a doctor immediately if you develop sudden, severe pelvic pain.

Call a doctor to schedule an appointment if:

• Your periods have changed from relatively pain-free to painful.
• Pain interferes with your daily activities.
• You begin to have pain during intercourse.
• You have painful urination, blood in your urine, or an inability to control the flow of urine.
• You have blood in your stool, you develop pain, or a you have a significant, unexplained change in your bowel movements.
• You are not able to become pregnant after trying for 12 months.

Watchful Waiting

If you have mild pain during your period but have no other symptoms or concerns, you can wait through several menstrual cycles. Then at your next routine visit with your doctor, you can discuss your pain. Home treatment may be all that you need to relieve mild pain.

Who To See

Health professionals who can evaluate endometriosis and help you manage the pain include:

• Family medicine physicians.
• Gynecologists.
• Internists.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.

If your case is complicated or your main problem is infertility, you may be referred to:

• A reproductive endocrinologist.
• A surgeon.

For diagnosis with laparoscopy or for surgical treatment, you may be referred to a gynecologist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.