Endometriosis IBS – the two conditions are completely different yet endometriosis can mimic similar symptoms to that of IBS.
What is it?
The initial stages of endometriosis may be hard to diagnose as you would think that the pain in the pelvic region is due to your regular menstrual cycle. However, the pain may progress and become worse over the next months. This would be your red-flag to know that something is not right and that a doctor should be consulted.
Unfortunately not all people with endometriosis have symptoms. Some people are asymptomatic even though they have endometriosis. They usually find out later when unrelated types of surgery are performed in the pelvic region and signs of endometriosis is evident.
What are the Symptoms?
The common types of pain that someone with endometriosis would experience, is pelvic pain. However other types of pain may exists such as lower back pain, ovulation pain, leg pain, painful intercourse, etc.
Endometriosis Versus IBS
The reason that some people confuse endometriosis with IBS is because they believe that the pain in the bowels can only be linked to IBS. People often think that endometriosis only affects the reproductive organs. This is invalid, endometriosis can affect your bowels since the endometrial deposits can lie on the outside of the bowel wall or adjacent to the intestinal walls, resulting in irritation of the bowel.
Always seek a doctor’s opinion if you believe you may have endometriosis in order to verify your situation. Simply reading the symptoms of each condition, may be insufficient to determine which health ailment it is that you likely have.
Endometriosis IBS are two completely different health conditions and they are treated very differently, eventhough the symptoms may mimic each other in specific areas. Before making any conclusions on your situation, seek help from a professional in your area. The internet contains useful resources to become familiar with ailments, what they are, symptoms, and health concerns, but a diagnosis including treatment paths (in some cases) are best left with your doctor.
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