Endometriosis affects at least 6.5 million American women, and in addition to pelvic pain, most experience the discomfort and frustration of endo belly at times.
In his Queens and White Plains, New York, offices, Daniel S. Kushner, MD, brings high-level board-certified OB/GYN expertise to every patient who’s struggling. Dr. Kushner and our team are known for deep empathy and compassion. We don’t just take note of your symptoms; we help you find real solutions that work for your lifestyle.
The first step in managing endo belly is understanding and recognizing your symptoms.
This condition is a series of symptoms that usually surface just before and sometimes during your period. Common issues are:
Experts sometimes characterize the symptoms as being similar to irritable bowel syndrome.
Most women with endo belly also experience a reduced stretch pain threshold within their intestinal walls. This means the intestines become hyper-sensitive, so normal stretching from gas, food, or bowel movements causes pain faster and more intensely than it should. In other words, everyday digestion can feel painful because the gut’s nerves are on high alert.
Dr. Kushner creates customized endometriosis management plans for every patient. Some of the most common approaches to address painful bloating include:
Endometriosis is, at its heart, an inflammatory disease, and that’s why doctors often start by addressing inflammation. Dr. Kushner may prescribe hormonal treatments such as birth control or progestins to lower inflammation levels. In turn, bloating and abdominal swelling often recede.
While hormone treatments can address inflammation at its root, it can take some time for full effects. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen can rapidly ease swelling and discomfort during flare-ups. Always follow Dr. Kushner’s specific dosing directions, especially if you need to take antiinflammatory medication frequently.
Certain foods may make bloating worse, including highly processed items, fizzy drinks, and foods high in sugar. Many women with endo belly may feel better when they focus on whole foods, lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and other dietary adjustments as recommended by Dr. Kushner. Keeping a food diary can help you find personal triggers.
Drinking enough water and eating moderate amounts of fiber can help prevent constipation and trapped gas. This reduces pressure in the abdomen and can help ease endo belly bloating. Be cautious when boosting fiber intake, though: Too much, too soon can make abdominal symptoms worse.
Heating pads or soaking in warm baths can relax tight abdominal and pelvic muscles. Heat also improves blood flow, which may ease pain and pressure.
If you’re dealing with endless endo belly bloat, there’s no reason to suffer. Book a visit with Daniel S. Kushner, MD, to discuss how to beat the bloat with a customized endometriosis treatment plan.
