Deep Disease
Can endometriosis affect organs outside the pelvis?
The short answer
Yes, endometriosis can affect organs above the pelvis, such as the intestines, and in rarer cases the diaphragm or lungs. Symptoms may follow a menstrual pattern, including upper abdominal or chest pain, shortness of breath, or bowel symptoms.
Yes. While endometriosis most often involves pelvic structures, it can also affect organs above the pelvis in the abdomen, such as the intestines. In rarer cases, it can appear much farther away in the body, including the diaphragm and even the lungs.
When endometriosis is outside the pelvis, symptoms often seem unrelated at first but may follow a menstrual pattern. Examples include upper abdominal or rib pain, shoulder-tip or chest pain that flares with periods, shortness of breath around bleeding, or bowel symptoms that worsen cyclically. If your symptoms don’t fit the typical pelvic endometriosis picture, our team can help connect the dots, evaluate for broader disease patterns, and discuss whether advanced imaging and/or minimally invasive excision surgery is the right next step for you.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Step 1 · Understand
Understand the condition
Step 2 · Compare
Symptoms it can relate to
Step 3 · Speak with Us
Symptoms beyond the pelvis?
Endometriosis can affect the intestines, diaphragm, and even the lungs—often causing “unrelated” symptoms that flare with your cycle. Our specialists can evaluate deep disease patterns and guide next-step imaging and treatment options.
Questions people ask next
All deep disease questionsCan endometriosis affect the diaphragm or lungs?
Yes, endometriosis can affect the diaphragm and, more rarely, the chest cavity or lungs. Symptoms often follow a menstrual pattern and can include right-sided chest or upper abdominal pain, shoulder pain, and pain with deep breathing or coughing.
Can endometriosis cause period-related constipation?
Yes, endometriosis can cause constipation that worsens around your period, even without endometriosis on the bowel. Inflammation, pelvic swelling and adhesions can disrupt bowel function, but other conditions can mimic the same symptoms.
Can you have endometriosis without pelvic pain?
Yes, endometriosis can be present even without pelvic pain, and symptom severity doesn’t reliably reflect the extent of disease. It may show up as infertility, abnormal bleeding, pain with sex, bowel or bladder symptoms, or persistent bloating.
Further reading
Beyond the Abdomen: Endometriosis in the Diaphragm and Nerves
Discover rare symptoms of endometriosis involving the diaphragm and nerves. Understand the importance of accurate diagnosis and emerging research.
Thoracic Endometriosis: Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Chest pain or shortness of breath during your period? Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome is a rare but serious condition often missed for years. Learn the signs.
How Endometriosis Can Affect Your Bowel and Digestion
Learn how endometriosis affects bowel health and digestion. Discover symptoms, diagnosis challenges, and treatment options. Get informed today!
