Constipation After Endometriosis Surgery? 6 Things That May Help

You made it through endometriosis surgery… and now you can’t poop!

Or maybe you can go, but you’re bloated, uncomfortable and straining more than usual.

Constipation can be common after surgery.

Anesthesia, pain medications, less movement and changes in what you’re eating and drinking can all slow things down.

And when your pelvis is already sore and healing, the last thing you need is more pressure and discomfort.

Here are 6 gentle ways to help get things moving.

1. Start With Warm Water

Try starting your morning with a glass of warm water, then sip room-temperature or slightly warm water throughout the day.

Herbal teas can help with hydration too. Peppermint can be soothing for digestion, while nettle is another caffeine-free option if it’s appropriate for you.

Try this: Have a glass of warm water when you wake up and keep fluids nearby throughout the day.

2. Choose Foods That Support Healthy Stool

When you’re constipated, your first thought might be:

I need WAY more fibre.

But suddenly increasing fibre can sometimes leave you feeling even more bloated.

Instead, focus on nourishing foods that provide fibre and help add bulk to your stool.

Try fresh fruits like apples and bananas, steamed vegetables like carrots, beets and zucchini, and healthy fats like extra-virgin olive oil and avocado.

Choose what your gut tolerates and build from there.

3. Make Sure You’re Eating Enough

After surgery, nausea, bloating or fear of worsening your symptoms can make it easy to eat less than your body needs.

But your digestive system still needs nourishment.

Aim for regular, balanced meals rather than restricting more foods.

➡️Ask yourself: Am I actually eating enough to support my recovery?

4. Get Moving—Gently

Once you’ve been cleared for movement, even a short walk can help support healthy bowel motility.

You don’t need a workout. A few minutes walking around your home counts, especially early in recovery.

5. Consider Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium citrate can be helpful for occasional constipation because it draws water into the intestines, helping soften stool and make it easier to pass.

However, it isn’t right for everyone, and dosage varies from person to person. Too much can cause cramping, loose stools or diarrhea.

**Always speak with your healthcare provider or qualified practitioner before adding magnesium citrate, especially after surgery, to make sure it’s appropriate for you and determine the right dosage for your individual needs.**

6. Don’t Forget Your Pelvic Floor

Still struggling despite changing your food, hydration and movement?

Your pelvic floor may be another piece of the puzzle.

If you:

• regularly strain

• have pain with bowel movements

• feel like you can’t fully empty

  
  

➡️consider asking your healthcare provider whether pelvic floor physiotherapy could help.

Constipation May Be One Piece of Your Recovery

If you’re still dealing with constipation, bloating, pelvic pain or flares after endometriosis surgery, you don’t have to keep trying to figure out what your body needs on your own.

My Pelvic Pain Recovery Program brings together personalized nutrition, digestion, lifestyle and pain recovery support to help you have fewer flares, rebuild trust in your body and start feeling like you again.

→ Learn more about the Pelvic Pain Recovery Program

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This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice. Always follow your surgical team’s post-operative instructions and speak with your healthcare provider before adding supplements. Seek medical care for severe or worsening abdominal pain or swelling, vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, or other concerning symptoms.

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About the Author: Orisha Boychuk is a Natural Nutrition Clinical Practitioner (NNCP) and Pain Recovery Coach supporting women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain through nutrition, lifestyle and pain recovery coaching.