A woman whose stomach kept getting bigger despite not being pregnant discovered that her bloating was caused by a medical condition rather than pregnancy.
One common cause of such abdominal swelling is endometriosis, specifically a severe form sometimes called "endo belly."
This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, causing inflammation, cysts, and fluid retention that make the abdomen swell significantly.
Other possible causes include hormonal imbalances, digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cysts, or even fibroids. These can lead to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, and swelling that mimic pregnancy but are unrelated to being pregnant.
Diagnosis typically involves a medical examination, ultrasounds, and sometimes laparoscopy to confirm endometriosis or other underlying issues. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve medication, dietary changes, and in some cases surgery to remove cysts or tissue causing the bloating.
This story serves as a reminder that unexplained belly swelling should always be evaluated by a physician because it could indicate a treatable condition other than pregnancy.