The location of the endometrial implants and the way in which the lesions affect the pelvic organs contribute to the symptoms, adolescent and adult women may have. Some women have a lot of endometriosis and have very little pain, while others who have a small amount of endometriosis have severe pain. While we don't know what causes endometriosis, we do know the pain experienced by teens is very real.

Endometriosis causes different symptoms in young women. Occasional or constant pelvic pain and/or severe period cramps are definitely the most common symptoms. There can be pain before, during or after one's period. The pain may occur at regular times in the menstrual cycle or the pain may occur at any time during the month. It is often referred to as "chronic" pelvic pain. Some teens may have pain with exercise, sex, and/or after a pelvic exam. Painful or frequent urination, diarrhea or constipation may accompany the pelvic pain.

The only way to be completely sure that the problem is endometriosis is to have a procedure called a laparoscopy. A laparoscopy allows a doctor to look inside the abdomen at the pelvic organs with a special lens in order to identify the endometriosis (implants). The endometriosis can be identified by laparoscopy and can also be treated at the same time. Adolescents with endometriosis can be treated so that they do not develop more severe cases that can lead to infertility.

For more information go to the Center for Young Women's Health website.