Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder, which affects around 15% of all women. The symptoms are infertility, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, heavy periods, constipation and diarrhea and back pain. Due to the nature of the symptoms endometriosis threatens both the psychological and physical health of sufferers and finding ways of preventing endometriosis symptoms is a key goal for many women.

There are four stages of endometriosis:

Stage 1 - minimal (surface endometriosis and filmy adhesions)

Stage 2 - mild (surface and deep endometriosis, plus filmy adhesions)

Stage 3 - moderate (surface and deep endometriosis, filmy and thick adhesions)

Stage 4 - severe (surface and deep endometriosis, thick adhesions)

Although, there doesn't appear to be much difference between these four stages it is the size and density of areas effected that determine which stage the endometriosis has reached.

Because the symptoms mimic a number of other conditions, endometriosis is one of the most mis-diagnosed conditions. Some women suffer for years from unexplained gynecological problems before an endometriosis diagnosis is given.

The reason for the delay in diagnosis and the mis-diagnosis is because the only way to accurately diagnose endometriosis is by performing exploratory surgery and looking.

There are a number of ways that you help yourself to ease the symptoms of endometriosis.

1. Taking an NSAID can help with reducing the inflammation caused by endometriosis and also alleviate the associated pain. Although avoid drugs which contain codeine as these can worsen endometriosis symptoms.

2. Take warm baths can help to ease the pain by increasing blood flow to the abdomen.

3. Put a heating pad or a hot water bottle on the abdomen. Let it stay there until the pain subsides.

4. Supplements can be useful in easing pain. Oil of Evening primrose has proven effective for both endometriosis and PMS sufferers.

5. Ask your doctor which prescription pain relief drugs you can take. Make sure that you are not allergic to these. Also, if you do not want to get pregnant ask about hormonal treatment to see if controlling your estrogen levels will help to reduce pain.

6. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that has had good results for endometriosis sufferers. Make sure you chose a practitioner that has dealt with endometriosis before.

7. Low impact exercises such as walking and swimming can help to ease symptoms. When we exercise our bodies release endorphins, or feel good chemicals, that can help prevent the pain felt from endometriosis symptoms.

There are a number of other ways to control endometriosis naturally, so sign up for the free newsletter below and discover tips for preventing endometriosis symptoms effectively.