Symptoms of endometriosis vary between individuals. While some women may experience few or no symptoms, they may be severe in other women and significantly impact on the activities of day-to-day living.

Some of the symptoms of endometriosis commonly reported include:

• Painful and heavy periods, called dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia.
• Dull pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, vulva, thighs and lower back. In most women, the type and location of pain varies. Often, the pain originates in-between the hips and upper part of the legs. The pain may be continuous or only present during periods, sexual intercourse or when passing a stool or urinating.
• Pain that occurs during sexual intercourse is called dyspareunia.
• Painful urination, is called dysuria.
• Difficult and painful passing of stools is called dyschezia.
• There may be intermittent bleeding between two menstrual periods.
• Infertility or inability to conceive after one year of regular unprotected intercourse when there are no other causes.
• Rectal bleeding may be seen as well as menstrual bleeding.
• Endometrial tissue present in the rectum or urinary tract can cause an obstruction.
• Endometrial tissues may also get lodged in the lungs and blood may be coughed up, especially during periods.
• Nausea, vomiting, dizziness and fainting.
• Weakness and lack of energy.
• Mood swings.
• Fever during menstruation.
• Smaller amounts of endometrial tissue in certain locations can be just as painful or even more painful than a large mass of tissue.