Interactive FAQs Endometriosis Question: In the last year or so I have been experiencing digestive problems such as excessive intestinal gas/rumbling noises (like my gut is percolating) and bloating after eating (I blow up like a blow fish!). These symptoms are worse around my period and in the evenings/early morning. I have been diagnosed with IBS, but don't feel comfortable with this since I don't suffer from recurring constipation or diarrhea. I do get severe abdominal pain (like a stabbing knife pain) several times a month that happens at irregular intervals and lasts for about 20-30 seconds. This can happen to me several times throughout a day. I have had an pelvic exam and ultrasound and my doctor feels he has done all he can for me. I think I might have endometriosis because of the pelvic pain, very painful/crampy periods and the digestive problems that don't quite match IBS. Do you think I should push for a laparoscopy? If so, will this procedure allow the physician to look at my small intestines in addition to my bowel? I believe my problems are in my intestinal tract. Many thanks for any guidance you can give me! Jane R. Ontario CA Answer: Too often physicians who are unable to explain bowel complaints attribute the patient's symptoms to IBS, irritable bowel syndrome. While the symptoms you describe may be attributable to IBS, I am a bit suspect in your case. First, IBS is not a disease. It is a syndrome, in fact a wastebasket type diagnosis for nondescript group of symptoms that cannot be explained by any specific anatomic or physiologic condition. When symptoms occur only during menses or are made worse during that time, one must consider endometriosis. Additional clues to this condition are painful intercourse, urinary frequency and diarrhea that are worse immediately before and during the first day or so of menstrual flow. The symptoms usually begin to improve after one or two days of flow. A three months of birth control pills and non-steroidals, NSAID's such as ibuprofen or naproxen (Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Celebrex, Ultram), you should consider laparoscopic evaluation. Dr. Perloe FAQ archives: IVF PCOS Clomiphene Ovulation Ovulation Induction Injections Age Related Infertility Endometriosis Donor Egg Donor Sperm Male Factor Infertility Fallopian Tube Reanastomosis Tubal Infertility Unexplained Infertility Endometrial Factor Miscellaneous Return to the IVF Homepage This page, and all contents, are Copyright © 2003 by IVF.com, Atlanta, GA, USA.