Let’s Banish Blushes About Endometriosis and Bowel Symptoms

Shit happens. Talking about bowel issues is uncomfortable at the best of times. Despite a welcome shift in comfort levels when it comes to talking about our bodies and health, many of us still prefer to avoid conversations about poo, gas and bloating at dinner parties, with friends, or even with your GP or healthcare provider. However, it’s really important that we challenge the taboo around all things bottom related - especially as when it comes to endometriosis and digestive problems, silence does more harm than good.

The Unspoken Reality of Bowel Endometriosis

Living with endometriosis is challenging enough, but when it starts affecting your digestive system, things can get even more complicated. In fact, many people don’t realise that endometriosis doesn’t just impact reproductive organs - it can wreak havoc on your bowels, too. It can be tough enough discussing pelvic pain, heavy bleeding and pain during sex with your doctor, let alone diving into endometriosis and gut issues. Research suggests that 5-12% of people with endometriosis experience bowel involvement, but the real number is likely higher. Why? Because many people find it too awkward or upsetting to report their full range of symptoms.

What's Really Happening in Your Body?

Bowel endometriosis (or "intestinal endometriosis") occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, found on or within your bowel walls. This misplaced tissue behaves just like it would inside the uterus. This means it swells, breaks down and tries to shed during your menstrual cycle. There are two variations of how endo can affect the bowel:

1. Superficial – endometriosis is found on the surface of the bowel
2. Deep – endometriosis penetrates the bowel wall

The result? Inflammation, scarring, and a whole host of uncomfortable symptoms. Like many women’s health conditions (major eye roll), there isn’t yet a conclusive answer as to why endometriosis causes digestive problems. What we do know is that hormonal fluctuations, genetic predisposition, and potential immune system irregularities all play a role...

Recognising the Endometriosis Symptoms Nobody Wants to Discuss

Our Co-Founder Dr Sarah Welsh spent 10+ years working in NHS gynaecology and in that time, has seen it all. From periods to poop, she’s unembarrassable, so we grabbed her for an expert view on the kind of endometriosis symptoms people really don’t want to discuss:

• Painful bowel movements (poops!) that really ramp up during your period

• Chronic constipation or watery, loose diarrhoea that correlates with your menstrual cycle

• Feeling mortified by unexpected bathroom emergencies e.g. sudden diarrhoea

• Painful, visible abdominal bloating

• Rectal bleeding unrelated to haemorrhoids

• Severe abdominal pain that comes in waves

• Severe flatulence after eating

A study published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology found that approximately 90% of people with "endo bowel pain" report significant impacts on their daily quality of life. No shit…

Getting the Right Support and Breaking the Silence

Firstly, if you’re wondering if your gut health symptoms are related to endometriosis, it’s time to speak to your GP or healthcare provider to figure out if this is indeed the case. Dr Sarah says: “If you’re unsure whether your unusual poops are related to endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome or just the dodgy takeaway you had last night, it’s best to start tracking your symptoms so you can present a clear overview to your doctor. Document everything, even the things that make you blush - this can really help them to figure out what’s going on.”

Other things you can do:

• Use medical terminology if emotional language feels too difficult e.g. faeces instead of poo

• Bring a supportive friend or partner to appointments if you feel you aren’t being heard by your GP or healthcare provider

• Bring a notepad with things you want to cover and discuss with your healthcare provider, so you don’t forget anything

Endometriosis and Bowel Symptoms

While there's no complete cure for endometriosis bowel symptoms, focusing on your diet can help to manage some of the more oh-god-I-really-don’t-need-this-right-now effects. Dr Sarah says:

“As the HANX girls will tell you, I’m a big fan of an anti-inflammatory diet, as this can help soothe digestive discomfort and support overall wellbeing. Focus on incorporating whole foods into your daily diet as they’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as fatty fish, chia seeds, and walnuts which can help reduce inflammation). Probiotic-rich foods like kefir, yogurt and fermented vegetables (kimchi is a winner!) can support gut microbiome health and potentially ease digestive symptoms. Aim to include plenty of fibre from sources like leafy greens, berries and whole grains to promote healthy digestion and reduce inflammation. Some people that find limiting inflammatory foods such as heavily processed meats, refined sugars and excessive caffeine can have a positive impact, too. Staying hydrated and maintaining a food diary can also help you identify trigger foods and track improvements in your digestive health.”

Beyond this, speaking with your GP or healthcare provider can potentially open the door to treatment options which can help manage symptoms including:

• Hormonal treatments to manage endometriosis

• Pain management strategies for digestive endo symptoms

• Surgical interventions to remove problematic tissue

Remember, though, everybody is different and what is suitable for one person with endometriosis might not work for someone else.

Buck the Blushes

We get it. Whilst periods are practically old hat in terms of a convo topic, it’s not quite so acceptable to discuss how your lunch makes you bloat so badly you need to undo your jeans in the office (that’s before we even mention the monstrous farts). Our reminder to you is that there's no shame in experiencing medical symptoms, no matter how awkward they might feel. Every last minute dash to the bathroom, every painful poo and bubbling gut post-lunch deserves attention, whether it is an endometriosis gut symptom or otherwise. Don’t let awkwardness get in the way of accessing the healthcare you deserve.

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