Effects of Endometriosis on the Colon

Endometriosis is a serious condition found in menstruating females of any age. Endometriol implants can spread from the uterus to the outer lining of the colon. The growths can be found at the back of the uterus, adjacent to the intestines.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, bloating and painful bowel movements are signs of endometriosis involving the colon. Pain can travel down the lower back and legs.

Tests

• Laboratory tests are done on blood work to determine if there is an iron deficiency or anemia with no presence of blood loss. A laparoscopy procedure is an exploratory into the pelvic region where endometriosis growths are found on the uterus, ovaries and colon.

Misdiagnosis

• Endometriosis that involves the colon is often misdiagnosed as spastic colon or irritable bowel syndrome.

Function

• Endometriosis on the colon flares up significantly during menstruation. The rectal column may have sharp pains, bleeding, tail bone pain and altered bowel habits with bloody stools.

Potential

• Endometriosis can result in surgery, hysterectomy and infertility. A gynecologist may put a patient on menopause-inducing therapy to fight the symptoms and growth of implants.