[Endometriosis-associated bowel symptoms].

BACKGROUND: In endometriosis endometrial tissue appears outside the uterine cavity causing dysmenorrhea, infertility, chronic abdominal pain and bowel symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prevalence of bowel symptoms and the influence of surgical treatment of endometriosis on them were studied in 82 patients. The data were collected from patient records and by questionnaires. RESULTS: At least one bowel symptom was found in 74% of patients, 73% presented dyschezia and 49% chronic abdominal pain. Surgical removal of endometriosis reduced dyschezia and diarrhea significantly (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Dyschezia, chronic abdominal pain and functional bowel symptoms are more common among patients suffering from endometriosis than in the general population. Surgery may relieve these symptoms.