Symptoms of Endometriosis in the Bowels

Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of endometrial cells outside of the uterus. Endometrial cells typically appear inside the uterus and are shed each month during menstruation. With endometriosis, however, these cells attach themselves to the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes and the outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines. According to MedicineNet, it affects over one million women in the United States. It constitutes a leading cause for a hysterectomy, and it is estimated that between 20 percent and 50 percent of women being treated for infertility have endometriosis. Though endometriosis often produces symptoms in the bowels, doctors may fail to recognize such symptoms, or worse: misdiagnose them as irritable bowel syndrome or spastic colon.

Painful Bowel Movements or Urination

• Pain with bowel movements or urination is one of the most common bowel symptoms of endometriosis. The pain stems not from endometrial cells growing on the intestine itself, but rather irritation from endometrial implants growing on structures adjacent to the intestines. Pain with bowel movements and urination will typically worsen around the time of menstruation.

Diarrhea and Intestinal Cramping

• Prostaglandins are hormonelike substances released from the endometriosis implants and uterus during menstruation. They cause smooth muscle to contract, which affects not just the uterus, but can also cause painful contractions in the bowel. Diarrhea and intestinal cramping can result.

Constipation and Rectal Bleeding

• Occasionally, deep endometrial implants in adjacent structures can cause bowel symptoms like constipation and rectal bleeding. Constipation is normally the main cause of rectal bleeding in patients with endometriosis. Endometrial implants in the large intestine can also result in rectal bleeding as waste passes through. Rectal bleeding usually appears before and during menstruation. Painful bowel movements are also associated with endometriosis.