Deep Disease
When should I see a gastroenterologist?
The short answer
It’s worth seeing a gastroenterologist for rectal bleeding, unintended weight loss, persistent or nighttime diarrhea, or other red-flag bowel symptoms. We also often recommend it if IBS-like symptoms are severe, recurrent, or don’t improve with endometriosis care and nutrition adjustments.
If you have red-flag bowel symptoms (such as rectal bleeding, unintended weight loss, persistent or nighttime diarrhea, iron-deficiency anemia, fever, or a strong family history of inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer), it’s worth being evaluated by a gastroenterologist. These signs can point to conditions that need targeted testing, not just symptom management.
We also often recommend a GI evaluation when IBS-like symptoms are severe, recurrent, or don’t improve as expected with endometriosis-focused care and nutrition adjustments. Coordinating care between our surgical gynecology team and a GI specialist can reduce delays, avoid duplicate workups, and help align your testing and treatment plan with the full picture of your symptoms. If you’re unsure where to start, you can reach out to schedule a consultation, and we’ll help map out the next best steps.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Step 3 · Speak with Us
Worried About Your Bowel Symptoms?
If you're experiencing serious or persistent bowel issues, our specialists can provide thorough evaluations and tailored care. We help coordinate GI and endometriosis care to get you the answers and relief you need.
Questions people ask next
All deep disease questionsWhen is urgent care needed for severe GI symptoms?
Urgent evaluation is needed for severe, persistent abdominal or pelvic pain with vomiting, fever, black or bloody stools, or inability to pass gas or stool. Rapid, unexplained weight loss or signs of anemia, such as unusual dizziness, faintness or looking very pale, also need urgent evaluation.
IBS vs IBD vs endometriosis: how can I tell the difference?
IBS often causes fluctuating bloating and bowel changes, while IBD is more likely with blood in the stool, fevers or weight loss. Endometriosis can mimic both, with clues like painful bowel movements, deep pelvic pain and bowel changes that worsen before or during your period.
Which tests distinguish IBS from IBD and bowel endometriosis?
Stool calprotectin, CRP and a complete blood count can help distinguish IBD from IBS. Colonoscopy with biopsy is used to confirm IBD, while transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic MRI can help evaluate bowel endometriosis, which won’t reliably raise calprotectin or CRP.
Which specialists should I see first when symptoms overlap?
We generally recommend starting with a gynecologist who has deep experience with endometriosis and adenomyosis. In many cases, pelvic floor physical therapy is helpful early, with other specialists added based on your main bladder, bowel, or inflammatory symptoms.
Further reading
Endometriosis or Inflammatory Bowel Disease? The Key Differences
How endometriosis and inflammatory bowel disease differ and overlap. Symptoms, diagnostic challenges, epidemiology, treatment risks, and research gaps.
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!
Bowel Endometriosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Bowel endometriosis explained: locations, symptoms, causes, diagnosis and misdiagnosis, plus treatments from minimally invasive surgery to lifestyle changes.
