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Endo Belly: What It Is and How To Get Rid of It
Anybody who has endometriosis knows the symptoms can extend beyond pelvic pain. One such highly visible and uncomfortable one is endo belly. Endo belly is severe abdominal bloating and swelling. It can make your clothes feel tight, cause physical pain, and take a toll on your self-esteem.
Endometriosis affects approximately 6.5 million American women, and 96% of them experience severe abdominal bloating. Dr. A Michael Coppa knows how distressing endo belly can be. He’s treated many women with the condition at his offices in Cranston, Smithfield, and Providence, Rhode Island.
Here’s how he explains endo belly and advises patients who have it.
What causes endo belly
Endo belly is a specific type of swelling that occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus. This tissue reacts to hormonal changes just like the lining of your uterus does. It builds up and breaks down each month, but because it has no way to leave the body, it causes internal irritation.
This displaced tissue leads to inflammation in the pelvic region. When the body senses this irritation, it often responds by retaining fluid or producing gas. Endometriosis can also affect the way your intestines function. If the tissue grows on or near the bowels, it can lead to digestive issues that worsen bloating.
Women with endometriosis are also more likely to have Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Managing symptoms through lifestyle changes
Medical treatment is often necessary; however, you can take steps to reduce the swelling's severity. Many find relief by adjusting their diet. Dr. Coppa recommends tracking your triggers to see if certain foods make the bloating worse. Here are specific dietary recommendations:
- Try an anti-inflammatory diet: This means lots of leafy greens, fatty fish, and berries, while limiting processed sugars and red meat.
- Increase fiber intake slowly: Fiber helps digestion, but adding too much too fast can actually increase gas.
- Stay hydrated: Water helps your body flush out excess salt and reduces fluid retention.
Practicing gentle movement, such as yoga or walking, can also help move gas through the digestive tract and lower stress levels.
Managing stress is also important, as high levels of stress can trigger cortisol release, which may worsen inflammation and digestive distress.
Medical treatments and professional support
If lifestyle changes are insufficient in resolving your symptoms, Dr. Coppa may suggest hormonal therapies, such as oral contraceptives or progestin therapy, which can help regulate the cycle of tissue growth and breakdown. This reduces the monthly inflammatory response that causes the abdomen to swell.
In cases where the pain and bloating are severe, minimally invasive surgery may be in order. Laparoscopic surgery allows us to remove the misplaced tissue, which can significantly improve both pelvic pain and digestive symptoms.
If you’re suffering from endo belly, and for all of your female healthcare needs, book a consultation with Dr. Coppa’s office in Cranston, Smithfield, or Providence, Rhode Island. Call or request an appointment online today.
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