There are several alternative choices too such as abdominal massage, acupuncture, diet and lifestyle changes, and supplements to support liver detoxification and hormone balance.
Inflammatory bowel disease is generally diagnosed based on colonoscopy, where a very small camera is inserted rectally in order to view your entire colon and take biopsies of concerning areas of tissue if necessary. Due to the strong correlation between endometriosis and IBD, talk with your health care provider about having a colonoscopy especially if you experience any gastrointestinal symptoms.
References:
1. Increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease in women with endometriosis: a nationwide Danish cohort study. Web. January 17, 2012.
http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2011/12/04/gutjnl-2011-301095.abstract
2. Risk Factors for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the General Population. Web. January 17, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/510581
3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Web. January 17, 2012.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/inflammatory-bowel-disease/DS01195
4. Endometriosis. MedicineNet. com. Web. January 17, 2012.
http://www.medicinenet.com/endometriosis/article.htm
Reviewed January 18, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
Add a Comment2 Comments
Endometriosis is a hormonal and immune-system disease. Lesions or scar tissue can implant on the bowel (as well as on other organs in the pelvic region), interfering with normal bowel function and causing pain. Intestinal or "gut" health is extremely important for women with endo (and anyone with immune system issues). Taking a good quality probiotic is essential. For more information see the books available at www.EndometriosisAssn.org
February 8, 2012 - 10:28amThis Comment
If endometriosis is somehow linked to bowel disease, I would be curious to know if the collagen in the intestine with Collagenous Colitis, is in fact, endometriosis. Isn't endometriosis a type of elasticity type tissue?
January 22, 2012 - 7:30pm