Reviewed by: Dr. Priyadatt Patel, Senior Gynecologist · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon · IVF and Endometriosis Programme Lead. Last updated: 26 May 2026.
Endometriosis · Bowel
Endometriosis Affecting the Bowel
Bowel involvement occurs in approximately 5-15 percent of women with endometriosis, most commonly affecting the rectum and rectosigmoid. Symptoms can mimic IBS and are often missed.
Symptoms
How bowel endometriosis presents
Cyclical bowel pain or bleeding (worsening with periods), painful bowel movements (dyschezia), constipation alternating with diarrhoea, abdominal bloating, sometimes obstruction in severe cases.
Diagnosis
Mapping bowel involvement
Expert ultrasound (ISUOG IDEA protocol detects most rectal lesions). MRI for additional mapping. Endoscopy or barium studies sometimes useful. Definitive diagnosis by surgical exploration with biopsy.
Treatment
Conservative to bowel resection
Mild superficial – excision or shaving. Moderate – full-thickness disc excision. Severe with obstruction – segmental resection with anastomosis. Multidisciplinary surgery with colorectal team for significant cases.
Common questions
Frequently asked
Is my IBS actually endometriosis?
Many women diagnosed with IBS have undiagnosed endometriosis. Cyclical bowel symptoms worsening with periods warrant gynaecological evaluation.
Will I need a stoma?
Very rarely – only for extensive disease or surgical complications. Most bowel endometriosis surgery preserves continuity without stoma.
Can bowel endometriosis cause obstruction?
Yes, in advanced cases. Recurrent abdominal pain, vomiting, or constipation worsening cyclically should be investigated.
★★★★★5.0 · 282 Verified Google Reviews
Dr. Priyadatt Patel
Senior Gynecologist · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon · IVF and Endometriosis Programme Lead
MS OBGyn · Pregnancy Care · Advanced Gynaecological Ultrasound · Fertility Preservation
ESHRE / ESGE / AAGL / ASRM guideline-aligned practice. 3D Karl Storz precision technique. Fertility-preservation-first philosophy. Evidence-based decisions, honest counselling, long-term outcomes orientation.
Endometriosis
Superficial to deep infiltrating, fertility-preserving excision
IVF & Fertility
Individualised protocols, ART Level 2 lab, transparent outcomes
Advanced Laparoscopy
3D Karl Storz precision, nerve-sparing technique
Pregnancy Care
Antenatal care, high-risk pregnancy, advanced ultrasound
Balaji Horizon Women Hospital
Science City Road, Ahmedabad 380060
Mon–Sat 11:00–20:00 · +91 97234 31544
Balaji Women Clinic (AEC)
Naranpura, Ahmedabad
Mon–Sat 08:30–10:30 · +91 70460 02566
