Can endometriosis cause diarrhea?

Yes—endometriosis can be associated with diarrhea, especially when inflammation affects the pelvic nerves and bowel, or when endometriosis involves the intestines directly (often the rectum and sigmoid colon). Many patients notice bowel symptoms that fluctuate with their cycle, such as diarrhea around a period, cramping with bowel movements, bloating, and lower abdominal pain.

At the same time, diarrhea isn’t specific to endometriosis. IBS-like bowel sensitivity and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis can look very similar, and some people have more than one condition contributing to symptoms. If diarrhea is part of a bigger pattern—pelvic pain, painful periods, pain with sex, pain with bowel movements, or symptoms that track with your cycle—our team can help sort out what’s driving it and discuss next steps, including targeted imaging and, when appropriate, minimally invasive excision to diagnose and treat endometriosis.