Related Conditions

Understand conditions that mimic or coexist with endometriosis—pelvic floor dysfunction, interstitial cystitis, IBS/IBD, PCOS, autoimmune issues, and fibroids. Spot overlaps vs. red flags and know which specialist to see.

Autoimmune Conditions Cancer Fibroids IBS / IBD Interstitial Cystitis Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Overview

Pelvic pain, urinary urgency, bowel changes, heavy bleeding, and fatigue often have more than one driver. Endometriosis commonly coexists with pelvic floor dysfunction, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, IBS or IBD, PCOS, autoimmune disorders, fibroids, and adenomyosis. Understanding where symptoms overlap—and where they diverge—helps avoid missed diagnoses and supports a coordinated, stepwise plan rather than repeated trials that don’t fit the root cause.

Learn hallmark clues for each condition, red flags that warrant urgent or specialty care, and which clinician to see first. Explore when imaging or labs add value and when conservative trials make sense. For muscle‑driven pain and sexual discomfort, see Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and partner care in Pelvic Floor PT. For urinary frequency, urgency, and burning without infection, compare Interstitial Cystitis with Bladder Endometriosis. Cyclical bloating and bowel pain can reflect IBS / IBD or Bowel Endometriosis. Heavy bleeding and bulk symptoms point toward Fibroids or Adenomyosis. For nuanced triage across look‑alikes, visit Differential Diagnosis.

How can I tell if bladder symptoms are interstitial cystitis or endometriosis on the bladder?

IC usually causes frequency, urgency, and pelvic pressure that fluctuate with diet or stress and aren’t strictly cyclical. Bladder endometriosis more often worsens around menstruation and may cause cyclic blood in the urine or flank pain; imaging can help. Compare workups and treatments in Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Endometriosis.

My bowel symptoms flare with periods—could this be IBS or bowel endometriosis?

Cyclical diarrhea, constipation, or rectal pain that peaks around menses raises suspicion for bowel endometriosis, while IBS often links to meals, stress, and non‑cyclic patterns. A GI evaluation can exclude IBD and alarm features, and targeted pelvic imaging can map endometriosis if suspected. See differences and next steps in IBS / IBD and Bowel Endometriosis.

Pelvic pain persists after treatment—could pelvic floor dysfunction be the missing piece?

Yes. Guarding from chronic pain can create hypertonic pelvic muscles that perpetuate burning, stabbing pain, and painful intercourse even when inflammation is controlled. Assessment and down‑training with a specialized therapist, outlined in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and supported by Pelvic Floor PT, can be pivotal.

Do fibroids or adenomyosis commonly occur with endometriosis, and how are they identified?

They can coexist, especially in people with heavy, painful periods. Ultrasound and MRI help distinguish fibroids (discrete masses) from adenomyosis (diffuse or focal changes within the uterine muscle), which guides medical or surgical choices. Learn distinctions in Fibroids and Adenomyosis, with imaging context in Diagnostics & Imaging.

Which specialists should I see, and in what order, when symptoms overlap?

Start with a gynecologist experienced in endometriosis who can coordinate care and triage imaging. Add pelvic floor physical therapy early for muscle contributors, and involve urology/urogynecology for bladder pain, gastroenterology for persistent GI symptoms, and rheumatology if autoimmune features arise. For triage pointers across look‑alikes, see Differential Diagnosis.