Endo abdomen, or abdominal distention, is a term describing moderate to severely painful bloating due to endometriosis lesionscomorbid conditions or surgical complications. Flares of endoventral symptoms can occur at any time during the menstrual cycle, making them unpredictable.

What Endo Belly looks and feels like

Not everyone with endometriosis will experience symptoms. Those who experience symptoms can range from moderate to severe. Some people may say they feel like they are six months pregnant. This physical change can be especially difficult for people suffering from infertility, a common symptom of endometriosis.

Endobelly symptoms can interfere with many aspects of a person’s life, including their work and social life. A common symptom is the feeling of pain, pressure and tightness in the lower abdomen.

This pain can get worse:

• During a bowel movement or urinating
• During menstrual periods
• During or after sex

Explaining Endometriosis Bloating

Endometriosis-related bloating or endo belly isn’t exactly bloating; It is a chronic abdominal swelling caused by endometriosis. It can also be caused by comorbid conditions and complications of surgical scars due to surgical sterilization or cesarean section.

Comorbid gastrointestinal conditions

Endo belly symptoms like bloating and pain when having a bowel movement overlap with many gastrointestinal conditions. There is also a known link between endometriosis and comorbid gastrointestinal conditions (conditions occurring at the same time).

A large-scale study published in 2023 found that people with endometriosis were twice as likely to have comorbid irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and nearly 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with gastrointestinal reflux. esophageal than those without endometriosis.

Comorbid gastrointestinal conditions include:

Take care of yourself to deflate and manage pain

If you suffer from endo-tummy and are looking for relief, self-care can help deflate and manage pain. Experts suggest trying over-the-counter pain relievers such as:

• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Advil (ibuprofen)
• Aleve (naproxen)

Experts also suggest the following self-care strategies for endo-stomach and pain relief:

• Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to the lower abdomen area or take a warm bath to increase blood circulation and muscle relaxation.
• Complementary methods such as acupuncture or chiropractic care.
• Eat plenty of fiber and nutritious foods to promote healthy bowel movements and reduce straining, which could make pain worse.
• Exercise to help improve blood circulation and release pain-relieving endorphins.
• Practice calming techniques such as deep breathing, visualization and yoga.
• Rest on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with your knees toward your chest to relieve or reduce pressure in your lower abdomen.

Comfort and clothing during push-ups

Severe bloating during an endo abdominal thrust can make it difficult to feel comfortable in clothing, especially when the materials don’t stretch.

More comfortable clothing options during a flare-up may include:

• Cargo jogging pants
• Jumpsuits or overalls
• Gaiters
• Maternity pants
• Long dresses
• Scrubs
• Sweatpants

Medical and surgical treatment options

Even when self-care helps reduce pain and bloating, you may consider consulting a healthcare professional about medical and surgical treatment options. Although there is no cure for endometriosis, treatment can make the disease and associated symptoms more manageable.

Medical options include hormonal contraception, the first line of treatment for endometriosis. Contraception for endometriosis works best in cases where the pain and symptoms are not severe. Medicines that cause temporary menopause are another medical option.

Surgical treatments may be necessary for severe symptoms, fertility problems, or when self-care and medical treatment do not provide sufficient relief. Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis is a minimally invasive surgery in which a surgeon makes a small incision and removes endometriosis plaques (lesions, adhesions, or scars).

If nothing improves the symptoms

If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to improve your endoventral symptoms, you may feel discouraged and unsure about your next steps. You may want to consider other professionals or treatments, such as:

Diet cannot cure endometriosis, but reducing or removing foods that cause bloating can help with comfort levels. These foods include certain dairy products containing lactose and certain carbohydrates including fruit sugar (fructose).

Summary

Endo-abdomen is a severe swelling of the lower abdominal area caused by endometriosis. Comorbid conditions include gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. Deflating and reducing endo abdominal pain comes down to self-care, over-the-counter pain relievers, medical treatments like birth control, and surgical treatments to remove lesions, adhesions, and scars if necessary. If symptoms still interfere with your social and professional life, seek professional help.