Guide | Bowel Endometriosis: A Hidden Condition Affecting Female Fertility
Endometriosis is a chronic, painful condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. When it affects the bowel, lesions are generally classified as superficial (on the bowel surface) or deep (penetrating the bowel wall). The condition can affect both health and fertility.
Causes of bowel endometriosis
Doctors usually find small tissue lesions on the bowel wall. These grow slowly and may enlarge or shrink. Their cause is still under investigation, but research links them to:
Genes and stem cells: Genetic factors may play an important role in bowel endometriosis.
Inflammation: Chronic inflammation may worsen the condition.
Estrogen levels: Estrogen plays an important role in the formation and progression of bowel endometriosis.
Symptoms of bowel endometriosis
Symptoms vary with the location, size, and depth of lesions in the bowel wall. Not everyone has symptoms, but common symptoms include:
Difficulty with bowel movements or diarrhea: Constipation or diarrhea, especially worse around menstruation.
Pain during bowel movements: Bowel movements may cause severe pain.
Menstrual discomfort: Symptoms may worsen before and during menstruation.
Pain during intercourse: Many patients experience discomfort during sex.
Infertility: A common complication when bowel endometriosis affects fertility.
Bowel obstruction (rare): Lesions may block the bowel.
Symptoms resemble **irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)**, but these are different conditions. Unlike IBS, bowel endometriosis symptoms usually worsen around menstruation.
Diagnosing bowel endometriosis
Endometriosis usually occurs during the reproductive years and affects about 10%-12% of women. It is commonly diagnosed around age 30.
A doctor first reviews symptoms and medical history and performs a pelvic examination. Imaging may then be recommended to determine lesion location and size, including:
Transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound: A probe emits sound waves to create organ images. It cannot directly diagnose endometriosis but may detect large lesions caused by it.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic fields and radio waves create detailed images of organs and tissues.
Laparoscopy: A surgeon makes small abdominal incisions and uses a laparoscope to view the pelvic organs. This procedure is commonly used to remove lesions.
Barium enema: X-rays of the large intestine are taken after administering a liquid barium mixture to identify bowel changes or defects.
Treating bowel endometriosis
Treatment is tailored to symptoms and medical history and considers age and fertility goals. Common options include:
Surgery: The aim is to remove as much disease as possible while preserving organs and overall health. Procedures include:
Removing the affected bowel segment and reconnecting healthy sections.
Excising the affected portion and closing the remaining opening.
"Shaving" the affected area without removing part of the bowel.
Hormone therapy: Hormonal medication controls estrogen levels and may relieve symptoms and reduce recurrence risk. It is often used with pain medication.
Psychotherapy: As a long-term condition, bowel endometriosis may affect mental as well as physical health. Many women experience anxiety and depression related to relationships and sex, which may intensify physical pain. A doctor may recommend psychotherapy for support.
Some women experience symptom relief during menopause or pregnancy as estrogen levels decline.
Outlook for bowel endometriosis
Endometriosis currently has no cure, but surgery and hormone therapy can control symptoms. Symptoms may recur when medication or treatment stops, particularly with deep lesions.
Long-term treatment is often needed until menopause or planned pregnancy. Doctors may coordinate pregnancy plans with surgery because endometriosis can recur after surgery and cause infertility. Research also indicates that pregnant women with a history of endometriosis may face risks including:
Guide | Bowel Endometriosis: A Hidden Condition Affecting Female Fertility
Guide | Bowel Endometriosis: A Hidden Condition Affecting Female Fertility
Endometriosis is a chronic, painful condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. When it affects the bowel, lesions are generally classified as superficial (on the bowel surface) or deep (penetrating the bowel wall). The condition can affect both health and fertility.
Causes of bowel endometriosis
Doctors usually find small tissue lesions on the bowel wall. These grow slowly and may enlarge or shrink. Their cause is still under investigation, but research links them to:
Genes and stem cells: Genetic factors may play an important role in bowel endometriosis.
Inflammation: Chronic inflammation may worsen the condition.
Estrogen levels: Estrogen plays an important role in the formation and progression of bowel endometriosis.
Symptoms of bowel endometriosis
Symptoms vary with the location, size, and depth of lesions in the bowel wall. Not everyone has symptoms, but common symptoms include:
Difficulty with bowel movements or diarrhea: Constipation or diarrhea, especially worse around menstruation.
Pain during bowel movements: Bowel movements may cause severe pain.
Menstrual discomfort: Symptoms may worsen before and during menstruation.
Pain during intercourse: Many patients experience discomfort during sex.
Infertility: A common complication when bowel endometriosis affects fertility.
Bowel obstruction (rare): Lesions may block the bowel.
Symptoms resemble **irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)**, but these are different conditions. Unlike IBS, bowel endometriosis symptoms usually worsen around menstruation.
Diagnosing bowel endometriosis
Endometriosis usually occurs during the reproductive years and affects about 10%-12% of women. It is commonly diagnosed around age 30.
A doctor first reviews symptoms and medical history and performs a pelvic examination. Imaging may then be recommended to determine lesion location and size, including:
Transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound: A probe emits sound waves to create organ images. It cannot directly diagnose endometriosis but may detect large lesions caused by it.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic fields and radio waves create detailed images of organs and tissues.
Laparoscopy: A surgeon makes small abdominal incisions and uses a laparoscope to view the pelvic organs. This procedure is commonly used to remove lesions.
Barium enema: X-rays of the large intestine are taken after administering a liquid barium mixture to identify bowel changes or defects.
Treating bowel endometriosis
Treatment is tailored to symptoms and medical history and considers age and fertility goals. Common options include:
Surgery: The aim is to remove as much disease as possible while preserving organs and overall health. Procedures include:
Removing the affected bowel segment and reconnecting healthy sections.
Excising the affected portion and closing the remaining opening.
"Shaving" the affected area without removing part of the bowel.
Hormone therapy: Hormonal medication controls estrogen levels and may relieve symptoms and reduce recurrence risk. It is often used with pain medication.
Psychotherapy: As a long-term condition, bowel endometriosis may affect mental as well as physical health. Many women experience anxiety and depression related to relationships and sex, which may intensify physical pain. A doctor may recommend psychotherapy for support.
Some women experience symptom relief during menopause or pregnancy as estrogen levels decline.
Outlook for bowel endometriosis
Endometriosis currently has no cure, but surgery and hormone therapy can control symptoms. Symptoms may recur when medication or treatment stops, particularly with deep lesions.
Long-term treatment is often needed until menopause or planned pregnancy. Doctors may coordinate pregnancy plans with surgery because endometriosis can recur after surgery and cause infertility. Research also indicates that pregnant women with a history of endometriosis may face risks including:
High blood pressure
Cesarean delivery
Preterm birth
Other pregnancy complications
Source:
Collected online