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Warning-sign checks

Endometriosis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help for:

    • Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, especially with vomiting
    • Fainting, severe weakness, confusion, or trouble breathing
    • Heavy bleeding with dizziness, faintness, or shortness of breath
    • Severe pain or bleeding when you may be pregnant
    • Sudden chest pain, coughing blood, or significant breathing difficulty

    These symptoms do not necessarily mean endometriosis has worsened.

    They may indicate emergencies such as ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, internal bleeding, or serious infection.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for rapidly worsening pain, fever, persistent vomiting, new abdominal swelling, or difficulty passing urine or stool.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Make a routine appointment if period or pelvic pain repeatedly affects school, work, sleep, exercise, sex, or normal activities.

    Also seek assessment for pain when passing urine or stool during periods, difficulty becoming pregnant, or symptoms that continue despite usual pain relief.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Endometriosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.