Colorectal pain during menes cycle

I have developed a strange aching sometimes severe pain in my colon/rectal area a couple of days into my cycle when the bleeding is heavy. The pain begins as normal cramping but quickly moves into the bowel area. The pain can be very sharp with gas or a bowel movement or can just feel like a spasm or alot of pressure. The pain usually goes away toward the end of my cycle but the soreness may last a few more days. I don't know if this is "IBS" or something more serious or why it happens during my menstrual cycle.
Thank you. I will be waiting for your response.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

IBS is certainly possible.  You can consider an endoscopy (i.e. a colonoscopy) for a more thorough evaluation first before settling on that diagnosis.  

If there is a relationship to your menstrual cycle you can consider GYN causes, starting with a pelvic ultrasound to evaluate the ovaries.  If the imaging studies are not helpful and your a GYN cause is suggested, a laparoscopy can be considered to look for endometriosis.  

If the tests are negative, then IBS is possible.  You can discuss this diagnosis and possible treatment options with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[pipermcgee]

I once had symptoms similiar to yours.  My primary care physician thought it was cysts on the ovaries, since the pain occured during ovulation.  Vaginal ultrasound ruled that out.  A few years later I had rectal bleeding, along with constant loose stools.  A colonoscopy showed ulceration in my colon, in the area just behind my right ovary.  That coupled with my symptoms lead to a diagnosis of Crohns disease.  I'm one of the fortunate few to have long periods of remission, and few problems due to that condition.  Good luck on finding the source of your problem.

[KarinC]

Daisy,

I know I am late reading this message I have to respond though, I hope you see it!  I had the same pain issues as you(pain during a BM was very intense, It was only on the heavy days of my period) I would "casually" mention or ask My Gyno and My Gastro if the 2 issues could be realted, I never made an additional appt because of it, but I would bring it up at my yearly of GI follow-ups (I have mild proctitus, It seemed to flare up at the time of my period).  Both Dr's said no, probably a coincidence....Ok...no one else I know has this problem....so I  lived with it.    

Well, Last Sept during a routine GYNO pelvic exam the Dr felt something, a cyst or a fibriod...something that shouldnt have been there......after several tests and ultrasounds, I ended up having surgery to remove an 8cmX8cm (size of a baseball)cyst on my ovary, it was an endometioma cyst I also had  a severe case of endometriosis to go along with it!!!  I never had any other endo symptoms to complain about....so check with your gyno, painful intercorse or BM's can be a sign........  btw at the time of diagnosis, I was 38.

Good luck to you..........