Similar to those with pelvic Endometriosis, symptoms of bowel Endometriosis can range from mild to severe and they are often intermittent in nature.

 

They tend to worsen during menstruation, although some people, especially those within the later stages, can experience pain and symptoms outside of menstruation or even continuously throughout the month.

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Conversely, bowel Endometriosis can also be asymptomatic – meaning some people may not know they have the condition usually until later on, when they may undergo a procedure for something else.

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What are the signs to look out for?

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Pain opening the bowels is the most common sign of bowel Endometriosis and in more extreme cases blood in the stools. The symptoms can vary from one person to another. Some may experience one or two symptoms whereas others may experience a combination of them.

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The following symptoms are often associated with bowel Endometriosis (the list is not exhaustive) and include:

 

• Pelvic pain

• Changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhoea) 

• A dull ache to acute pain or cramping in the lower abdomen and/or back Abdominal swelling Pain during and / or after consuming foods 

• Pain associated with sexual intercourse 

• The feeling of needing to pass bowel movements more frequently or urgently than usual 

• The feeling of not being able to empty your bowel completely

• Passing blood in stools may suggest signs of endometriosis

 

If you are experiencing unusual pain that is stopping you from carrying out your usual daily activities like attending school or work, or if you have noticed changes around your periods and / or bowel habits, there is a chance you might have Endometriosis, or it could be the cause of something else.

 

It is important to tell your doctor as early as possible.