Bathroom habits can reveal a lot about our health. While you may think of your bathroom routines as normal, even small and seemingly unimportant signs could lead to devastating diagnosis. When it comes to periods and menstruation related illnesses, many women are often dismissed regarding their concerns. The notion that pain and discomfort surrounding menstruation is normal and should be tolerated, has stopped many women from getting proper diagnoses. Diseases like endometriosis, Uterine fibroids, Polycystic Ovarian Disorder/Syndrome (PCOS/PCOD) etc., affect many women worldwide, however the signs and symptoms of these diseases are often ignored or overlooked. If you've noticed changes in your bowel habits, such as going to the toilet more or less often than usual, it might be time to see your doctor. The Endometriosis Foundation warns that this could be linked to an incurable condition affecting the bowel called Bowel Endometriosis. What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis, often shortened to "Endo," happens when tissue similar to the lining inside the womb starts growing outside of it. These growths, called lesions, can spread to many parts of the body. When these lesions affect your bowel or digestive system, it's called Bowel Endometriosis. The lesions can either stay on the surface of your bowel or grow deeper, causing a lot of discomfort and problems. This type of Endometriosis is most commonly found in the lower part of the intestine, where it can make it hard to empty your bowel. Affecting many women globally, endometriosis is a chronic condition, with 190 million people experiencing it. It can cause extreme pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements, urination etc. The World Health Organization explains that the causes of endometriosis is still unknown and has no cure. The only relief people get is from managing the symptoms with medication and in some cases surgery. Signs and Symptoms of Bowel Endometriosis Pain when you have a bowel movement is the most common sign that you might have bowel Endometriosis. In more serious cases, you might even see blood in your poop. It's important to remember that the signs of bowel Endometriosis can be different for everyone. Some people might only have one or two symptoms, while others might experience many of them all at once. The symptoms listed below are often linked to bowel Endometriosis, but this isn't a complete list. There might be other signs too: Pain when you have a bowel movementPain in your pelvic areaChanges in how often you go to the toilet, like constipation (hard to go) or diarrhea (loose stools)A dull ache, sharp pain, or cramping in your lower belly and/or backSwelling in your bellyPain during or after eating certain foodsPain during sexFeeling like you need to have a bowel movement more often or very urgentlyFeeling like you can't completely empty your bowelSeeing blood in your poopWhen to See a Doctor If you're having unusual pain that makes it hard to do daily things like go to school or work, or if you notice changes in your periods or bowel habits, think about whether it could be Endometriosis or another problem. It's really important to talk to a doctor right away. When you do, make sure to mention Endometriosis and ask if you need to see a specialist. And remember, you always have the option to get a second opinion if you want.