
Table of Contents:
Do I have Endometriosis?
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Co-existing Conditions
Diagnosis
Treatment
Do you realize that your gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms-difficulty with digestion, bloat, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and/or blood in your stool may all be signs of endometriosis?
Women suffering with endometriosis often experience health challenges outside of difficult periods as endometriosis is a disease which can be found in all tissues in the body, not just the reproductive system. Many of these symptoms can be painful and significantly impact a woman's quality of life.
As endometriosis is a complex, and often misunderstood disease, bowel endometriosis is often misdiagnosed as IBS/IBD or even left undiagnosed.
Signs of Bowel Endometriosis:- Severe pelvic pain, particularly during menstruation
- Painful bowel movements especially during menstruation
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Pain with urination
- Pain with ovulation
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms:
- Diarrhea or constipation (can alternate)
- Bloating or “endo belly”, which can vary dramatically throughout your cycle
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling overly full or lacking appetite
- Blood in stool, particularly during menstruation
- Other Symptoms:
- Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Chronic fatigue
Vaginal or rectal bleeding throughout your cycle, not just with menstruation
Bowel endo can impact the entire GI/digestive system including the large and small intestines, appendix, colon, and rectum. In rare, but extreme cases a woman may even experience vomiting of blood, particularly around menstruation.
Understanding that endometriosis can be found throughout the body, it is imperative that you work with an expert excision surgeon who recognizes the importance of checking for endo throughout the reproductive organs, bladder, peritoneum (abdominal walls), diaphragm, GI tract, and anywhere else throughout the body that the patient and/or surgeon suspect endo may be present.
A thorough clinical evaluation may include a pelvic exam and imaging, possibly requiring a colonoscopy and/or laparoscopic surgery in more severe cases.At the RESTORE Center for Endometriosis we are committed to the gold standard of endometriosis treatment:
- Addressing all signs of endometriosis
- Treating endo at its roots via laparoscopic excision
- Supporting adhesion prevention
- Avoiding band-aid treatment options such as hormone suppression
- Promoting natural fertility
- Offering one-and-done surgery
Along with seeking the care of a trained endometriosis excision surgeon, you can take proactive steps to support your body’s ability to heal:
- Reduce inflammation by consuming whole foods. Focus on lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits. Cut down on processed foods, fast foods, sugar, and sodas.
- Eat and drink soothing foods such as hot teas, bone broth, soups, and stews
- Practice mindful eating to reduce GI symptoms. Eat without distractions, take a few deep breaths or pray before meals, chew your food to the consistency of salsa
- Pay attention to how your body responds to the most common food sensitivities- gluten, dairy, soy, corn, tomatoes, peanuts, and shellfish
- Seek support! Pelvic floor therapists and mental health counselors can play an important role in your healing
- Practice mindful movement- yoga, Tai Chi, brisk walks, light-weight strength training
- Take a few moments each day for quiet calm-reading, listening to soft music, spending time outdoors with no technology/distractions, soaking in a warm bath, whatever makes you feel relaxed!
Dr. Patrick Yeung and your RESTORE team of St. Louis are here to support you on your journey to RESTORE your health, hope, fertility, and life!
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