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Published in on Mar 20th 2025

Painful Periods and Fertility: Could It Be Endometriosis?

For many women, menstrual cramps are a common and expected part of their cycle. But when period pain becomes severe, persistent, or disrupts daily life, it could be a sign of endometriosis – a condition that affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide. If you're struggling with pelvic pain and fertility issues, it's important to understand how endometriosis might be playing a role.

Signs That Painful Periods Could Be More Than Just Cramps

Menstrual pain is often dismissed as "normal," but when should you be concerned? Endometriosis symptoms can vary, but common signs include:

• Severe menstrual cramps that do not improve with over-the-counter pain medication
• Chronic pelvic pain that extends beyond your period
• Pain during or after sex
• Painful bowel movements or urination during menstruation
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Bloating, nausea, or fatigue around your cycle

If you're experiencing these symptoms, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and explore possible treatment options.

Pelvic Pain and Fertility

Pelvic pain that occurs throughout the month—not just during your period—is often the clearest sign of endometriosis. The condition can inflame the pelvic floor, leading to muscle spasms, pain after sex, and discomfort that radiates to the back or legs. These symptoms are especially important to recognize if you’re trying to conceive, as endometriosis can impact fertility by interfering with ovulation, blocking the fallopian tubes, and affecting implantation. If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year without success (or six months if you're over 35), it may be time to seek a fertility evaluation.

How Endometriosis is Diagnosed

Fertility specialists use a combination of methods to diagnose endometriosis, including:

• Pelvic exams to check for abnormalities
• Ultrasound imaging to detect ovarian cysts associated with endometriosis
• MRI scans for a detailed view of the pelvic region
• Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery that allows doctors to confirm and remove endometriosis tissue

Getting Help for Endometriosis and Fertility
If you suspect painful periods and endometriosis are affecting your fertility, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Pacific Women’s Center, we specialize in diagnosing and managing endometriosis to help you achieve your reproductive goals.

Schedule a consultation today to take the next step toward understanding your symptoms and exploring fertility treatment options.