Endometriosis And Gas

Endometriosis And Gas
By
Mikel Theobald Updated
February 10, 2020

Medically Reviewed by

Meeta Shah, MD

Of people who experience endometriosis, 5 to 10 percent develop lesions in the bowel.

Image Credit:
m-gucci/iStock/GettyImages

You might be surprised to learn that endometriosis, the condition that causes unwanted tissue to accumulate outside of the uterus, can become so widespread that it affects areas of your gastrointestinal (GI) system. Here's what you need to know.
Up to 10 percent of women of reproductive age are affected by endometriosis, according to an article published in BMJ Case Reports in 2015. About 5 to 10 percent of them experience endometriosis lesions in the bowel, anywhere from the small intestine to the rectum.
Though rare by comparison to growths on reproductive organs, this is the second most common area to be affected by endometriosis and is most often seen in women just beyond their reproductive years, according to 2018 research published in Advances in Medicine . Gastrointestinal or bowel endometriosis, as it's called, is a form of deep infiltrating endometriosis that causes pain, nausea, bowel dysfunction and other symptoms, states the Endometriosis Foundation of America .
"Endometriosis lesions are superficial, ovarian or deep," explains Mark A. Casillas, MD , a colorectal surgeon at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. Deep infiltrating endometriosis is invasive by nature and brings with it more symptoms than other types of the disease, according to a 2018 study published in BMC Women's Health journal.
Pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis, no matter where it strikes, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development . More research is needed to determine why some women experience more severe pain than others — the size, type and location of the lesion doesn't always determine the level or duration of pain.
Research suggests hormones may play a role. Endometrial tissue outside of the uterus responds to hormones much the same way that tissue within the uterus does. The difference is that inflamed tissue outside the uterus is not shed during menstruation, and this inflammation causes pain. Another potential explanation is that some lesions have nerves within them. The link to the nervous system makes those lesions more sensitive to chemicals in the body that signal pain receptors.
Some symptoms of bowel endometriosis do depend on where the lesions are — the rectum, the small intestine, the colon, the lining of the intestines or even the appendix. For instance, if the lesions are in an area called the cul-de-sac, found between the back of the uterine wall and the rectum, you can experience painful sex and extremely painful bowel movements, says the Endometriosis Foundation of America . Lesions in the rectum can lead to painful bowel movements, rectal bleeding and constipation along with back pain . Lesions in the appendix can cause pain, gas and bloating, the foundation adds.
You may also experience nausea, vomiting and bowel obstruction, notes Dr. Casillas. Some gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea , can get worse during menstruation.
Variables like your age, the severity of your symptoms and of the disease itself as well as the location of the lesions factor into choosing the best treatment.
Medication . The preferred approach is to manage symptoms without surgery, says Dr. Castilla. Over-the-counter drugs, such as NSAIDs, or prescription medications, such as birth control pills, may help. In addition to avoiding the risks associated with surgery, he points out that the potential benefits of medication include being able to address multiple areas at the same time and that it's generally well tolerated, with relatively few side effects. You'll likely need to stay on the medication until menopause , when endometriosis typically eases — any stoppage can bring back symptoms.
Surgery . In some cases, deeply embedded lesions require surgical removal. Or, if medication has not been effective, your doctor may recommend surgery to get rid of lesions. A colorectal surgeon is the specialist with expertise in repairs involving the bowel, colon, rectum or small intestine. Surgery may provide long-term relief, but you could need additional surgeries over time. Surgery also carries the potential for complications, including bowel dysfunction, Dr. Castilla explains. So be sure to ask about all the risks and benefits.

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Communities > Endometriosis > Endo and Gas problems???

I'm curious how many endometriosis suffers have horrible gas (trapped) pain and if its part of it? I have all the symptoms of endo but getting IBS theory for a long time.I've had IBS for 15 yrs but its never been this bad.I constantly "rumble",always have noisy tummy and its embrassing and gets so painful,Not to mention the horrible rectal pain and pressure...ugh I could scream right now.I noticed it gets worse when I ovulate and I been having problems with multiple complex cysts on both ovaries.
    Also wondering what are the chances? since my first lap 2 yrs ago surgeon then didnt see any endo but admitted could be hidden or microscopic.I have a constant "tugging" pain from belly button to pelvic with horrible cramps.This is enough to drive anyone insane! thanks... needed to vent!
                                    Stephanie

Does anyone else experience leg pain that has endometriosis ? I get pains in my thighs, knees, shins, side of my buttocks and sometimes e...

I have my surgery scheduled on Friday and ever since I scheduled it, pretty much all of my symptoms have disappeared and I am second-gues...

I have endometriosis and 6 months ago I had surgery to both diagnosis and remove the endo. I was told I would get better have less pain a...

I get really painful periods, my stomach cramps every few minutes and can leave me feeling sick and occasionally I pass out from the pain...

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When it started u can feel the pain, it's like abdominal pain...

Have been drinking 30 tablet before going to do operation, but they didn't help,this pain is too much....

Hello Stephanie, so sorry to hear about your pain! I think I understand where you are coming from, having suffered pretty hardcore from "endo bloat" myself. I haven't been diagnosed with IBS yet, but it was definitely mentioned by my doctors as a possibility.
One thing that I strongly strongly want to "shout to the endo world," as a recommendation is to take one week without dairy. I've suffered from horrible endo cramps for about 17 years now. (Wow, as I type that, I almost want to cry thinking of how long it has really been living with these symptoms!) At my worst point, I think I spent about 2 months straight in bed, and I lost my job and failed my classes (it was during college.) I've seen a million doctors, as we all have, and it is astonishing to me that not one of them ever mentioned the "endo diet," nor the connection between autoimmune diseases (such as endo) and dairy consumption. I'm of Northern European heritage, so I always sort of assumed that people who had issues with dairy tended to be from backgrounds where dairy consumption is low. I grew up drinking milk.. Even lived in France for a few years, so I've always eaten a ton of dairy and been "proud" of it. I was so so so wrong.
All I can tell you is that within a week off dairy, the morning cramps that I woke up with every morning subsided. I almost never have gas anymore, and with that, so much of the pain was eliminated, because when you have endo vines knotting your organs together, the last thing you need is bloat pushing on that. Not to mention, sorry if this is TMI, but the blood from my period changed to a bright red, watery blood from a black, viney seaweed-like deal.
If you are at the end of your rope, try the dairy free. For me, the difference was HUGE.. despite how much I loved cheese, and despite the fact I live in the EU, where we eat a lot of dairy, cheese was so easy to stop eating. Butter, milk, cream, cheese - I gave it all up so easily because the quality of my life is just so so different. Anyway, if you made it to the bottom of reading this, thank you for putting up with my rant. :) I really wish you the best. Don't give up, complain and rant and lean on anyone you need to. I wish you the best of luck.

Ive had it for close to 20 years. Finally got a dr to believe it wasnt just in my head. My endo was all over abdomen. Even passed thru diaphragm. Sadly that stuff was left after endo surgery. Also developed severe adhesions after gallbladder surgery 9 yrs ago. Both endo and adhesions cause proteins to leach thru bowel walls by changing the tissue on the bowel. Makes it absorb less nutrients and allows bigger stuff to pass across. Ive developed a gluten allergy, milk, and some preservatives. These are the proteins my body chose to build antibodies to. So far. Causes bloating, gas, pain, diarrhea, etc. For about 3 days after I eat it. And can from 30 min to a day to start to hurt. I have to be super careful and read labels. Natural flavoring can be anything. Even then, I still can suffer if a part of the food was ran on same machines. Grain elevators, the grill, serving spoon used on multiple items. The adhesions pull things unnaturally and cause radiant pain in back, hips, legs. After surgery I felt great for first 8 weeks. Then adhesions grew back. No real solution to them yet. Drs wont go in for those. They tend to grow back worse supposedly. I dont know all the answers. But the path... Faster you can get the endo. Better youll be. Month wont make a difference. Years.... Ya. Make them believe you that its wrong. Dont accept that its just supposed to hurt debilitatingly for your period. Normal is just light bleeding that can be contained by a pad. When I was a kid I would get bad pain. And masses of blood that were probably about 1cup at a time. Usually upon standing at school. Had a endometial cyst in each ovary. Years of being told I was fine allowed it to spread and become all I said earlier.

Hi am 26 years,I've been feeling abdominal pain from about 2nd grade but doctors keep on telling me it's just period pain nothing is wrong.since recently I went to a doctor and he told me that I could have endo,I haven't taken the surgery as yet,but am wondering if I could still have another child,my baby father want one more but am so afraid to do the test.

Hey i've reading some of your postings and i just wannna say that i've 21 yeras old and i've dealing with those problems since High School , I have been experiencing a multitude of symptoms in my pelvic, abdominal and rectal area.

In September 2011 my doctor removed me of endometriomas as well as adhesions on both ovaries and my uterine and was very confortable for me because i went to treatment for one year and later i've been troubles with endo and the doctor put me other treatment.

I know that if i want a family, i have to do plans as soon i can with my boyfriend ....

SO! like Alli715 says : tell your daughter she's not the only young person struggling, she's not alone!

Hi net559!

I'm 21 and I've been dealing with these problems since 7th grade, so tell your daughter she's not the only young person struggling, she's not alone!  For the acid reflux my doctor suggested prelief, which is otc and I think helps a lot.  I wouldn't say I'm great at managing my pain, but I find hot water bottles/heating pads help some in addition to otc pain meds or whatever her doctor has prescribed.  I would also suggest yoga-- stretching out slowly as opposed to running or strength training (which might hurt) helps me a lot.

-Alli

Was she diagnosed through a lap? If so when was it? Did they remove all the Endo? Was the surgeon a specialist? Did she go on Lupron or on the BCP after the surgery?

I had Endo since I was 13 I am sure of it and it was debilitating. I came from a very strict family and there was no missing school you had to go no matter what, so I really don't know how to help you with that. Even when I got older that way of thinking stuck as I never took time off work. I would just medicate myself and go.

As for the reflux I had that for an entire year before my surgery and was on Pantaloc until the surgery and I chose to come off it to see if it was the Endo and it was because it never came back.

My daughter only 17 just got diagnosed with endo.  She is suffering so much.  Missing several days of school a week.  Just wanted to know what you folks do about missing work and school.  Is there a support group she can join.  She is suffering from acid reflux and this with the endo pretty much disables her.  I don't know what to do to relieve some pain.  Please post some remedies.  Thank you.

Hello, I have found that cutting out wheat and soy completely from my diet made my endometriosis pain go away for a few years. It's slowly coming back even with this diet, so I'm looking into the surgery now. But it sounds like she could benefit from an elimination diet too, and it could help save her organs. If you want to try it, have her cut out all wheat, soy, dairy, added sugars, caffeine, and alcohol (if applicable) for at least a month, then add ingredients back in one at a time, giving it a few days between additions to test for that food's effect. It's one of the hardest but most worthwhile things you can do. I still can't believe everything that has soy (including canola oil spray, most chapsticks, etc that make my pain come back-if she'said sensitive to it too, it's a hard road). But this could greatly help and make every day liveable for her again. Sorry she's going through this.

I have those exact same issues. All on the left side but the sciatica that is the right

These symptoms sound like mine also.
I have been told I have IBS and have been suffering for a long time.
Since being told I have a cyst on my left ovary, it has become much worse I have to have lap, and they are going to look and see if any endo or adhesions.
Makes me wonder, after reading these posts if it is endo with me, and not even IBS.
As well as these symptoms, I have alot of pain near left ovary, into my groin and down my leg. I also get bad sciatica on that side. The pain is so frustrating, I wish they would hurry up and book me in for op!

I had what they call a rectovaginal nodule.  It was at the tip where the vagina and rectum meet.  I used to get the sharpest pains in my rectum all of the sudden.  It was excruciating. I was told I had IBS as I had these pains, constipation and gas pains.

After they removed the nodule it was like a different life.  I can go to the bathroom and not be constipated.  I do however still feel random cramping and the pain is so bad when I get gas.

I am not sure if that will over go away.

Every time I would have paps I would tell them it would hurt, everytime they did a transvaginal I would tell them it would hurt, but it wasnt until 15 yrs later that a specialist I googled off this site finally found it.

Hello - Ive been reading some of  your postings on here and I feel like I need to vent some. I am a 36 yo female and since about the first of April this year (2010) I have been experiencing a multitude of symptoms in my pelvic, abdominal and rectal area. First I was experiencing this weird feeling of "fullness" in my rectal area...like a tennis ball or something was inside and it just felt very uncomfortable. Shortly after this, I began feeling a pretty severe pain in my Left pelvic region, in the back only at the time...and the pain was only with certain movements. A few weeks went by and I started to feel a numb/very light ache feeling across my Left buttock into my L leg. I couldnt sleep at night, I had terrible anxiety associated with this weird pain/numbness/uncomfortable feeling so I started consulting physicians. To date I have had an endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, lumbar and thoracic MRI, abdominal CT scan and a pelvic ultrasound. The CT scan found a "4 cm cystic structure" on my Left ovary. ..my OBGYN then ordered a pelvic US to check this. The radiologist found 2 small cysts on my left ovary with "minimal free fluid in the pelvis." He determined that the cysts were "relatively benign" but suggested I have a follow up with my OGBYN, which I have scheduled for in about 1 week. I am so frustrated with this pain, numby feeling, and just generally feeling like crap all the time. I at times (mostly when my period approaches) have gas and when I sit I have a numby type feeling in my Left buttock radiating into my L leg. Im basically miserable all the time. I cant say that I have lost my appetite, I eat well and Ive not lost any weight. My bowels seem to work well, I have BMs regularly but sometimes theyre a bit different in "consistency." I do feel at times that I need to have a BM when I dont. I have problems with urination, that seems to be normal as well. Im just frustrated and feeling helpless. Im becoming more and more depressed and I feel terribly exhausted from constant lack of sleep. I would just like some advice or possibly some opinions from those of you who might be experiencing some of my symptoms. Thanks so much - Amy

teddybears4ever2
Apr 07, 2010

I have endo on my bowels and they couldn't remove it from my bowels.  I am pretty sure it is still there.  I will have to talk to her before my next surgery.

Sounds like my symptoms. My doc thinks its endo so she is giving me a lap next week.

Ow my god ! I had a laparatomy in June for removal of endometriomas as well as adhesions and was diagnosed afterwards with stage iv endo also. I have also gone for a colonoscopy, which they cou
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Endometriosis And Gas

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