The 10 Troublesome Symptoms of Bladder Endometriosis: How We Treat Them
Bladder endometriosis is relatively rare. Only up to 5 percent of women have endometriosis in their urinary system. Within the urinary system, it most often affects the bladder. The symptoms of bladder endometriosis are similar to the signs of many other health conditions.
When you’re experiencing symptoms such as uncomfortable sex, frequent UTIs and painful urination, you could be facing any number of possible healthcare challenges. You need a provider like our OBGYNs in Chapel Hill and Durham who will look at the complete picture and come to an accurate and timely diagnosis.
This is the team-based approach we take to medicine at Chapel Hill OBGYN. We understand that it is only through getting to know you that we can get a comprehensive view of your health. This means much more than reviewing your medical history. It means meeting you where you are in your healthcare journey, whether you’re trying to find relief from painful sex or you’re experiencing the beginning of perimenopause. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with us to experience our world-class care.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the symptoms of bladder endometriosis. However, because this condition is relatively rare, we’ll also examine the more common reasons behind some of these symptoms.
What Is Bladder Endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when the cells of the uterine lining grow outside the uterus. It can affect your ovaries and fallopian tubes. Bladder endometriosis occurs when the tissue grows either on the bladder’s surface or inside the bladder, it is called bladder endometriosis.
10 Symptoms of Bladder Endometriosis
1. Frequent Urination
Endometrial tissue on or in the bladder can cause urgency. However, frequent urination can also be indicative of more common conditions such as:
- Overactive bladder
- UTI
- Diabetes
- Vaginitis
2. Painful Urination
Inflammation caused by bladder endometriosis can cause painful urination. However, this can also be caused by:
- UTIs
- Certain STDs
- Vaginitis
- Yeast infections
3. Blood in Urine
Sometimes, endometrial growth can cause bleeding during your period. But you should also be aware that blood in the urine is a common sign of:
- UTIs
- Kidney infection or injury
- Kidney stones
4. Pain in the Bladder or Pelvis
Endometrial tissue in the bladder can cause pressure and constant discomfort in your lower abdomen. We always want our patients to report any pelvic pain because it can also be a sign of:
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Fibroids
- Ovarian cancer
5. Painful Sex
The abdominal pressure from endometrial tissue in the bladder and the resulting pelvic pain can cause painful sex.
Pain during sex is more common than you might think. While bladder endometriosis is not a typical cause, some of the more frequent reasons include:
- PID
- Fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Inflammation
- Vaginismus
- Insufficient lubrication
6. Increased UTIs
Symptoms of bladder endometriosis can mimic UTIs.
7. Incomplete Bladder Emptying
Have you ever felt like you had to go to the bathroom even after you’ve already gone? Sometimes incomplete bladder emptying can be a sign of bladder endometriosis. However, it’s more often caused by conditions like:
- UTIs
- Swelling or inflammation
- Weakened bladder muscles (that may have resulted from childbirth)
- Fibroids
8. Intensified Menstrual Symptoms
We’ve written several previous articles about how your period can tell us a lot about your overall gynecological health. Issues with your period can be a symptom of bladder endometriosis. However, because that condition is so rare, menstrual symptoms that get worse are more likely caused by conditions such as:
- Fibroids
- Cysts
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Polyps
- Certain medications
- Hormonal imbalances
9. Lower Back Pain
Pain from bladder inflammation can easily radiate to other parts of your body. Because there are so many possible causes of lower back pain, we suggest scheduling an appointment with us so we can see if there is a gynecological source to this problem. We also recommend speaking to your general practitioner or family doctor.
10. Bowel and Bladder Issues
Constipation and IBS symptoms are often associated with bladder endometriosis. However, they can also be signs of other conditions and are medical issues on their own. A general practitioner or gastroenterologist can help determine the underlying cause.
How Is Bladder Endometriosis Diagnosed?
We have been treating women with endometriosis for decades, helping alleviate the pain that often accompanies this condition. Bladder endometriosis is detected by using imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI. We may refer you to a urologist, who may want to perform a cystoscopy, where they use a tiny scope to view your bladder lining.
What Causes Endometriosis in the Bladder?
Research is ongoing, although there’s no one definitive cause, although some possibilities are:
- Genetics: Endometriosis tends to run in families.
- Retrograde menstruation: This occurs when your blood flows backward through your fallopian tubes when you have your period.
- Surgery: Sometimes endometrial cells may be spread to the bladder during a surgery involving the uterus.
How Is Bladder Endometriosis Treated?
- Surgically removing the endometrial cells can make a big difference in relieving pain.
- Medication and hormone therapy can also be effective, utilizing treatments such as birth control pills and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (Lupron).
However, because these signs listed above are caused by more common illnesses, the course of treatment will depend upon the underlying cause. For example, this may be antibiotics if you have a UTI or surgery to remove fibroids.
When You Have Troublesome Symptoms, an Accurate Diagnosis is Crucial: Trust Chapel Hill OBGYN
We’ve discussed the symptoms of bladder endometriosis, but it’s important to remember that these signs can also point to other health conditions. That’s why accurate diagnosis is crucial—because your health matters. You are at the heart of everything we do. Our priority is ensuring you receive the best possible care so you can live your healthiest life..
Are you experiencing any of the symptoms listed above? If so, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us so we can address these concerns. We would welcome the opportunity to be your medical home. Contact us for an appointment today.
The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.
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Sources:
Trigui M, Ouanes Y, Chaker K, Zehani A, Chelly I, Nouira Y. Bladder endometriosis: A serious disease. Urol Case Rep. 2023 Apr 11;48:102400. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10133648/
Watson, Stephanie, “What Is Bladder Endometriosis?” Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/bladder-endometriosis
