Endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome

Endometriosis is a medical condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb. It can cause severe pain and, in some cases, infertility.

Endometriosis can also cause pain during or after sex, pain when going to the toilet when on your period. Endometriosis can happen to any woman at any age.³

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects your digestive system. It most commonly affects people between 20 to 40 years old, but it can happen to anyone. There isn't thought to be one exact cause of IBS, but it has been linked to stress, genetics or food passing through your system too quickly.¹

IBS affects people of all genders, but is more common in women.¹

There are several symptoms that can occur with IBS. Your symptoms can worsen depending on what you eat and whether you are exposed to any triggers you may have, such as stress.¹

Symptoms of IBS include:

• Stomach ache, especially after eating that is eased by going to the bathroom
• Bloating and excess wind
• Diarrhoea, constipation or having mucus bowel movements
• Having fatigue, back ache and feeling sick
• Having problems with your bladder, including not being able to empty your bladder fully, needing to urinate more often than usual or having a sudden urge to go to the toilet.²

Endometriosis and IBS can have very similar symptoms and sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. Sometimes you may find you get misdiagnosed with IBS when you have endometriosis.

Symptoms both conditions share include:

• Abdominal pain
• Cramps
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Problems with your bladder.⁴

There are, however, some key differences that may help you distinguish between the two conditions.

Although both conditions have similarities. There are key differences that can help and your doctor determine the cause of your symptoms.

Yes. It is possible to have both IBS and endometriosis. Some studies have shown that there is a genetic link between the two conditions. This means that if you have one of the conditions, it increases the chance of you having the other. For example, if you have endometriosis, you are twice as likely to go on to have IBS.⁶

If you suspect that you have either IBS or endometriosis, you should discuss your symptoms with your GP. They can carry out investigations to help you reach a diagnosis. Your GP may refer you to a specialist for further investigations if needed.

It can be difficult to advocate for yourself at your appointment as endometriosis is still not well understood in the medical field. It can be easy to mistake symptoms of endometriosis as usual period pains. It may feel frustrating if you are told this, so it might help you get your point across if you prepare ahead of your appointment.

Keep a diary of your symptoms, when they occur and what you were doing before the symptoms started, like when eating a meal, so you can show your GP exactly what is happening and when. You should also let your GP know how long you have had symptoms for and how often you get symptoms. Try not to minimise what you are going through when talking to your GP. If you think something is relevent, include it in your appointment. If you need more time for your appointment, you can book back-to-back appointments.³

Take a list of questions you may have to your GP appointment. If you want to, you can also take someone with you to help you remember everything the GP has told you.

You can also ask as many questions as you like so that you feel confident moving forward with your condition. Your GP will also be able to tell you about any support groups in your local area.