One of the red flags of endometriosis is bowel changes and “dyschezia” which means pain, straining and/or difficulty with bowel movements.
There are MANY reasons why endometriosis affects the bowel but here I will touch on just a few.
The first reason is the adhesions themselves. One of the most common places endometriosis is found is in what’s called the “cul de sac” of the vagina. This is a little pocket behind the cervix between the uterus, the back of vagina, and the rectum.
With deep endometriosis, adhesions can form between the rectum, vagina, uterus and the walls of the abdomen.
When these adhesions and tissues are inflamed, it can pull on tissues of the rectum and cause pain and difficulty passing stool through.
Endometriosis is commonly misdiagnosed as “IBS” or “SIBO.” With altered motility and inflammation, gut changes can occur such as diarrhea and constipation, and bloating. This can lead to bacterial overgrowth which may be SIBO, but the root cause is endometriosis.
Remember that endometriosis is an inflammatory condition and chronic inflammation affects our gut over time.
So, even if endometrial lesions are not on the bowel itself, the chronic inflammation of the disease still commonly impacts gut health.
If you’re experiencing painful bowel movements, bloating, constipation, or symptoms that have been labeled as “IBS,” it may be time to look deeper.
Endometriosis and pelvic floor dysfunction commonly affect bowel function, and these symptoms are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed for years. The good news is that there are effective, non-invasive ways to address these issues.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help improve bowel function, reduce pain with bowel movements, and address the underlying muscle tension and tissue restrictions contributing to your symptoms.
You don’t have to keep managing this on your own or settling for incomplete answers.
Call 843-471-0351 or fill out the form here to learn how we can help you find real relief.
