Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Endometriosis

Many women are afflicted with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome such as bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits such as
diarrhea and constipation. in many cases, women try to manage their symptoms as well as possible with either medications from physicians or over the counter remedies. There is a lot of data that supports the high prevalence of endometriosis in those patients who have been diagnosed with irritable bowel
syndrome. The Endometriosis Treatment Center of America recommends that all women who have symptoms of IBS should be fully evaluated for concomitant
endometriosis. The adequate treatment of endometriosis and the reduction in inflammation can help to improve the IBS-type symptoms in women who share both endometriosis and IBS conditions.

IBS is the most common functional gastrointestinal GI disorder with world-wide prevalence rates ranging in the area of 10-15%. 60-65% of these patients are female. There is a high statistical risk that a woman with IBS can have concomitant
endometriosis and all women who have IBS symptoms may be good candidates for evaluation for endometriosis in more detail.