Bladder endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows on or inside the bladder. This condition can cause urinary problems because the tissue reacts to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, just like the lining of the uterus.
Common symptoms include pain or pressure in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, and sometimes blood in the urine, especially during menstruation. The severity of symptoms varies depending on how much tissue is involved and its exact location. Diagnosis usually requires imaging tests or cystoscopy, and treatment may include medication or surgery to remove the tissue.
Causes of bladder endometriosis
The exact cause of bladder endometriosis is still not clear. Researchers developed several theories to explain the cause of the disease. One of these includes the migratory or metastatic theory. It proposes that retrograde menstruation causes products of the period to “go back” into the pelvis and implant in the bladder wall. This kickstarts the process of inflammation and adhesion with scarring that leads to endometriosis.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis in the bladder?
The symptoms of endometriosis in the bladder include pain or pressure in the lower abdomen, especially during menstruation. Many people notice frequent urges to urinate or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Some may experience painful urination or notice blood in the urine that coincides with their menstrual cycle. Discomfort can also radiate to the lower back or pelvic area.
Get a Second Opinion
Our endometriosis specialists are dedicated to providing patients with expert care. Whether you have been diagnosed or are looking to find a doctor, they are ready to help.Our office is located on 872 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10065.
You may call us at (212) 988-1444 or have your case reviewed by clicking here.
Diagnosis of bladder endometriosis
The diagnosis of bladder endometriosis often involves several steps. These may include a pelvic examination, cystoscopy (bladder examination), laparoscopy (abdomen/pelvic examination), computerized tomography (CT), and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As with pelvic endometriosis, surgical excision and pathology are the keys to a definitive diagnosis.
Treatment options
As with other types of endometriosis, the treatment of bladder endometriosis will depend on several factors. These include the patient’s age, fertility status and family planning preferences, the severity of the disease, the severity of urinary symptoms, and menstrual function.
Treatment can be medical, surgical, or a combination of both. Medical treatments may involve pain medications and hormonal treatments that aim to reduce the progression of endometrial tissue. They include gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists, progestins, and combined oral contraceptives. Surgical treatment options depend on the severity and area of the bladder affected and may include transurethral surgery (TUR), partial cystectomy, and/or a laparoscopic approach.
While medical treatments can help control the symptoms, they cannot cure the disease. Laparoscopic excision surgery conducted by an experienced surgeon is the gold standard treatment for bladder endometriosis like it is for other types of endometriosis.
What does endo on your bladder feel like?
Endometriosis on your bladder can feel like constant pressure or a dull ache in the lower abdomen. You might notice pain during urination or a frequent need to urinate even when the bladder isn’t full. Some people feel burning or sharp pains, especially during their period. Discomfort can also spread to the lower back or pelvis.
What happens if bladder endometriosis is left untreated?
If bladder endometriosis is left untreated, symptoms can gradually worsen and affect daily life. Pain during urination or pelvic discomfort may become more frequent and intense. Blood in the urine can increase, and frequent urinary tract infections may develop due to irritation of the bladder lining. Over time, scar tissue can form, leading to reduced bladder capacity and difficulty emptying the bladder fully.
In some cases, untreated bladder endometriosis can affect kidney function if urine flow becomes obstructed. Early diagnosis and management help prevent these complications and preserve urinary health.
Patient story
The road to a diagnosis is often long, as many patients with endometriosis may know. One such story is that of Winnie Chan, who spent years in and out of emergency rooms with no definite answers as to why she was in so much pain. Finally, after the worsening of her urinary symptoms and painful periods, she had an appointment with Dr. Seckin. She was diagnosed with advanced endometriosis, including advanced UTE. She underwent several surgeries in her long treatment journey. Read more about Winnie’s story.
FAQs
How serious is bladder endometriosis?
Bladder endometriosis is a rare but serious form of the condition. Its seriousness comes from its potential to cause significant damage if untreated. The condition occurs when endometrial tissue grows on or inside the bladder. This can cause symptoms like painful urination, urinary frequency, and pelvic pain. These symptoms often worsen during your menstrual period. If the tissue grows large, it can block the ureters. These tubes carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
This blockage can lead to kidney swelling and, in rare, severe cases, kidney loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing symptoms. They also help prevent serious complications like kidney damage.
What stage of endometriosis affects the bladder?
Endometriosis that affects the bladder is typically considered Stage 4, or severe, disease. The most common staging system (ASRM) classifies endometriosis from Stage 1 (minimal) to Stage 4 (severe). Staging is based on the location, size, and depth of the endometrial implants.
Bladder involvement is a form of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). This means the tissue has grown deep into the bladder wall, not just on its surface. This deep infiltration and spread to other organs, such as the bladder or bowel, is the definition of Stage 4. This advanced stage often involves significant scar tissue and requires specialized medical care.
Can you see bladder endometriosis on a cystoscopy?
Yes, a cystoscopy can sometimes see bladder endometriosis, but only if it has grown inside. This procedure uses a small camera to look directly at the bladder’s inner lining. If endometriosis lesions have broken through the bladder wall, a doctor might see them. These often look like blue, red, or dark-colored spots.
The area may also appear inflamed or scarred. However, this test can easily miss the condition. This is because endometriosis often grows on the outside of the bladder. A cystoscopy only views the inside. Therefore, a normal cystoscopy result does not rule out bladder endometriosis.
Can endometriosis be removed from the bladder?
Yes, endometriosis can be surgically removed from the bladder. This is the most effective treatment for this type of the disease. The specific surgical method depends on the severity and depth of the tissue. If the endometriosis is superficial, the surgeon can “shave” it off the bladder surface. This is often done using minimally invasive laparoscopy. For deep infiltrating endometriosis, a more complex procedure is needed. This may involve a partial cystectomy. This is where the surgeon removes the affected section of the bladder wall. The bladder is then carefully stitched back together. The goal is to remove all diseased tissue. This helps to relieve painful urinary symptoms. This is a highly specialized surgery.
Get a Second Opinion
Our endometriosis specialists are dedicated to providing patients with expert care. Whether you have been diagnosed or are looking to find a doctor, they are ready to help.Our office is located on 872 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10065.
You may call us at (646) 960-3080 or have your case reviewed by clicking here.