What causes painful bowel movements during period?

As a husband of a woman with endometriosis and fibromyalgia, I have seen first-hand the impact endometriosis alone can have on her daily life. One of the most challenging symptoms she experiences is painful bowel movements during her period. It’s not easy to talk about, but I believe it’s essential to raise awareness about this chronic condition.

I am a man, but I believe that being a woman, experiencing menstrual cramps is already challenging enough. When you also experience painful bowel movements during your period, it can make your period even more difficult to handle.

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Periods are an inevitable part of life for many women. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including mood swings, bloating, and cramping. Some women also experience painful bowel movements during their periods. This can be very uncomfortable and distressing.

In this blog post, I am going to discuss all you need to know in terms of stabbing pain when pooping during a period, from causes and symptoms to treatment and management.

What are painful bowel movements during period?

Painful bowel movements during period refer to abdominal pain and discomfort that occur during bowel movements when you’re on your period. It’s not uncommon for women to experience pain and discomfort during menstruation.

However, when you experience pain during bowel movements, it can be a sign of many underlying conditions. In my wife’s case, it is a symptom of endometriosis.

When it comes to endometriosis, women experience pain and discomfort when passing stools during their menstrual cycle. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping and can make going to the bathroom a dreaded experience.

It’s estimated that up to 90% of women with endometriosis experience stabbing pain when pooping during period. This symptom can be especially distressing for women and can significantly impact their quality of life.

But even though this is by far my wife’s primary cause of painful bowel movements, there are more common, and less common causes. I found a total of 16 causes of painful bowel movements during period which I will list for you in the following sections.

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• Why do some women develop severe endo and others don’t?
• Does endometriosis cause infertility?
• How is endometriosis diagnosed?
• Do types and stages affect the treatment?
• Recurrence of endometriosis after excision surgery.

9 common causes of painful bowel movements during their period.

Painful bowel movements during your period can be caused by a number of common factors, including:

• Endometriosis. This is a condition in which tissue that is similar to the one that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, often in the pelvic cavity. This tissue can cause inflammation and pain, which can be worse during your period.
• Adenomyosis. Adenomyosis is a condition where the endometrial tissue grows within the muscle wall of the uterus. This condition can cause heavy periods, pelvic pain, and painful bowel movements during menstruation.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine. People with IBS often experience abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. These symptoms can be worse during your period.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This is a group of chronic diseases that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. IBD can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is an infection of the female reproductive organs. PID can cause pain in the lower abdomen, fever, and pain during sexual intercourse.
• Fibroids. These are noncancerous growths that can develop in the uterus. Fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms, including painful periods, heavy bleeding, and pain during bowel movements.
• Diverticulosis. This is a condition in which small pouches form in the lining of the colon. These pouches can become inflamed or infected, causing pain during bowel movements.
• Constipation. Constipation is a common problem where the stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. This condition can cause discomfort, pain, and bloating, particularly during the menstrual cycle.
• Hormonal changes. Hormones can also affect bowel movements and cause discomfort. The hormones released during the menstrual cycle can cause the muscles in the bowel to contract, which can lead to painful cramps and diarrhea.

7 less common causes of painful bowel movements during their period.

Painful bowel movements during your period can be caused by a number of less common factors, they are:

• Intestinal obstruction. This is a blockage in the intestines that can cause pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
• Cancer. Cancer of the colon, rectal area, or other parts of the digestive tract can cause pain during bowel movements.
• Diverticulitis. This is an inflammation of the diverticula, small pouches that form in the lining of the colon. Diverticulitis can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea.

• Crohn’s disease. This is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation in the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever.
• Ulcerative colitis. This is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the colon. Ulcerative colitis can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.
• Appendicitis. This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped organ that projects from the colon. Appendicitis can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
• Ulcerative colitis. This is another inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation in the colon. Ulcerative colitis can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, and weight loss.

Why is it important to discuss this topic?

My wife struggled for many years trying to be understood and believed by general practitioners, employers, and society. When I realized how many women are being gaslighted by their doctors and bosses, I felt the need of spreading awareness about the topic that is close to my heart – endometriosis, as my wife has a stage 4 deep infiltrating type.

Despite how common it is, many women are hesitant to talk about their periods, let alone about painful bowel movements.

This can be due to embarrassment, fear, or simply not knowing that it could be a symptom of conditions like endometriosis. But it’s important to break the stigma and encourage open communication about this topic. By sharing our experiences, we can raise awareness and help other women who may be struggling with the same symptoms.

In the United Kingdom, where we live, we spoke about poo and cancer recently. Dame Deborah’s final message in the months leading up to her tragic death in June 2022 was to “check your poo – it could save your life” and it seems like people have been doing just that.

So, if you or someone you know is experiencing painful bowel movements during their ovulation or period, I encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider and seek treatment. Remember, you’re not alone, and there is help available.

What is the diagnosis of painful bowel movements during period?

The diagnosis of painful bowel movements during a period begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. The doctor will ask about your menstrual cycle, your symptoms, and any other medical conditions you have. The doctor will also perform a pelvic exam to check for any abnormalities in the reproductive organs.

If the doctor is unable to determine the cause of the pain based on the medical history and physical examination, they may order additional tests. These tests may include:

• Blood tests. In order to check for inflammation, infection, or anemia.
• Urine tests. To check for infection.
• Imaging tests. These tests include an ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan, to look for abnormalities in the pelvic organs or digestive tract.
• Endoscopy. A procedure in which a camera is inserted into the rectum or vagina to look for abnormalities in the digestive tract.

Once the doctor has diagnosed the cause of the pain, they can recommend treatment options. The treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause of the pain.

What are the symptoms of painful bowel movements during period?

The symptoms of painful bowel movements during a period (or stabbing pain when pooping during a period) can vary from woman to woman.

Here are some of the common ones:

• Painful bowel movements
• Cramps
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Back pain
• Pain during intercourse

And here are some of the less common symptoms:

• Bleeding from the rectal area
• Rectal pain
• Rectal itching
• Rectal discharge
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Infertility

What are the ways to manage painful bowel movements during your period?

Dealing with painful bowel movements can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage the discomfort and help you get through your period with ease.

One of the most effective ways to manage stabbing pain when pooping during period is to use over-the-counter pain relief. Medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce inflammation and ease the pain associated with menstrual cramps and bowel movements.

In addition to pain relief medication, heat therapy can also be a helpful tool. Placing a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen can help reduce abdominal discomfort and provide relief from painful bowel movements.

Gentle exercises, such as walking or yoga, can also help reduce the pain associated with menstrual cramps and bowel movements. Exercise helps to release endorphins, which can help to ease pain and discomfort.

Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate menstrual cramps and bowel discomfort. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can reduce the severity of your symptoms and make your period more manageable.

Making some lifestyle changes can also help you manage painful bowel movements during your period. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help reduce bowel discomfort and menstrual cramps. Make sure to include plenty of fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation and reduce abdominal discomfort during your period. Getting enough sleep can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate menstrual cramps and bowel discomfort.

Good hygiene can also play a role in managing painful bowel movements during your period. Infections can lead to pelvic pain and discomfort, so make sure to wash your hands regularly and practice safe sex.

It’s important to note that if over-the-counter pain relief and home remedies are not effective, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication or hormonal contraceptives to help alleviate your symptoms. If your stabbing pain when pooping during a period is severe or persistent, it’s important to see a doctor.

Your doctor can perform tests to determine if an underlying condition is causing your symptoms, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

Overall, there are many ways to manage painful bowel movements during your period. By using over-the-counter pain relief, heat therapy, gentle exercise, relaxation techniques, and making lifestyle changes, you can reduce the severity of your symptoms and make your period more manageable.

What are some lifestyle changes that can help you manage painful bowel movements during your period?

Making some lifestyle changes can be helpful in managing painful bowel movements during your period because you can reduce the severity of your symptoms and make your period more manageable.

Remember, (like in my wife’s case) not always over-the-counter pain relief and home remedies are not effective. If that is the case, it’s important to see a doctor. A doctor can perform tests to determine if an underlying condition is causing your symptoms, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

Here are some tips to consider:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Eating a diet that is rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce bowel discomfort and menstrual cramps. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol.
• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation and reduce abdominal discomfort during your period.
• Exercise regularly. Gentle exercises such as walking, yoga, or swimming can help reduce the pain associated with menstrual cramps and bowel discomfort. Exercise releases endorphins which can help ease pain and discomfort.
• Practice good hygiene. Infections can lead to pelvic pain and discomfort, so make sure to wash your hands regularly and practice safe sex.
• Get enough sleep. Getting enough rest can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate menstrual cramps and bowel discomfort.

Wrapping things up…

Stabbing pain when pooping during a period can be a difficult and uncomfortable experience, but there are steps you can take to manage the symptoms.  It’s important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that works best for you.

Over-the-counter pain relievers, heating pads, and home remedies can provide some relief, but lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good hygiene practices can also help reduce discomfort.

It’s important to remember that menstrual pain is a normal part of a woman’s life, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of!

As a man whose partner suffers from endometriosis and fibromyalgia, I understand how difficult it can be to watch your loved one go through pain and discomfort. It’s important to be supportive and understanding during this time. Offer to help with household chores or run errands, give her space if she needs it, and be a listening ear when she wants to talk.

In addition to being supportive, it’s also important to educate yourself about these conditions. By understanding the symptoms and treatment options, you can better support your partner and be an advocate for her health. Attend doctor’s appointments with her, read up on the latest research, and offer to help her research treatment options.

My personal message.

I want to say that while these conditions can be challenging, they do not define your partner or her worth. She is a strong and resilient woman who is doing the best she can to manage her symptoms and live her life to the fullest. By offering support, understanding, and love, we can help our partners navigate these challenges and live their best lives.

To anyone who is going through the challenges of painful periods, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, or any other chronic condition, I want to offer a message of hope.

You are not alone, and there are resources available to help you manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life. It can be a difficult journey, but with the right support, mindset, and treatment, you can overcome these challenges.

It’s important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Be kind to yourself, listen to your body, and seek help when you need it. Surround yourself with people who support you and understand what you’re going through. Reach out to support groups, therapists, or other resources that can provide guidance and support.

Remember that you are more than your condition!

You are a strong, beautiful, and resilient person with so much to offer the world. You have the power to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others. Don’t give up hope, keep fighting, and know that better days are ahead.

With love and support,