Category: Endometriosis
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Endometriosis and Gastrointestinal symptoms
Did you know that Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are as common as gynecological symptoms in women with endometriosis? Over 90% of women diagnosed with endometriosis initially present with GI symptoms. Bloating is the most common presenting symptom, and is typically reported by 83% of women with endometriosis[i]. In addition to bloating, other GI symptoms, including diarrhea, constipation, painful bowel movements, nausea, and/or vomiting, are also common in women with endometriosis. It is interesting to note that GI symptoms are often independent of location of endometriosis lesions in relation to the bowel. This means that you can have GI symptoms without endometriosis actually infiltrating into the bowel. In other words, your endometriosis lesion(s) may be close to your bowel but not necessarily be on your bowel[ii]. It is nonetheless important to remember that for some women, endometriosis can infiltrate the bowel, distort intestinal anatomy, or alter normal bowel physiology, which can lead to constipation, bloating, painful bowel movements, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. ( READ MORE )
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Interstitial Cystitis – Endometriosis’ “Evil Twin”
Have you been diagnosed with endometriosis? If so, have you heard of Interstitial Cystitis? Did you know that painful menstrual cycles and painful intercourse may not only be due to endometriosis? Do you know that studies have shown that 50-84% of women with endometriosis may also have Interstitial Cystitis (I.C.)?
Whereas endometriosis is treated with either medical management or surgery, I.C. is not treated by surgery! That’s right. I.C. is known as “Endometriosis’ Evil Twin”. The symptoms of I.C. can be identical to endometriosis. Some women with I.C. may experience only pelvic pain, while others may also describe urinary frequency (urinating more than 7 times a day), urinary urgency, or getting up to urinate several times at night. ( READ MORE )