Chronic symptoms of abdominal pain and irregular bowel habits in women evoke a 
broad differential diagnosis including irritable bowel syndrome, infection, 
malabsorption, and inflammatory bowel disease. Endometriosis, a common disorder 
in young women that can involve the intestinal tract, deserves consideration as 
well. Intestinal endometriosis is typically asymptomatic; however, when symptoms 
occur, they can mimic those of irritable bowel syndrome. Identifying intestinal 
endometriosis can be challenging, but historical points and key clinical 
features aid in diagnosis.