Bladder Endometriosis

Bladder endometriosis develops when the endometrial cells that are located outside of the uterus cause internal bleeding. This internal bleeding then leads to the formation of scar tissue and adhesions, which commonly affect the bladder, the bowel, the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and the ligaments that support the uterus. Many women who seek medical attention for bladder endometriosis are mistakenly diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis, as the symptoms are almost identical.

Symptoms of bladder endometriosis include mild discomfort, burning with urination, pus in the urine, blood in the urine, tenderness around the bladder and/or kidneys, urinary frequency, urgency, or retention, fever, extreme fatigue, pain radiating toward the groin, and debilitating pain. Many women with bladder endometriosis are diagnosed with a urinary tract infection because they complain of pain or burning during urination. A urine culture will rule out a urinary tract infection and symptoms will not clear up with the use of oral antibiotics.

It is essential that a woman with bladder endometriosis get medical help immediately, as further complications can result if this condition goes untreated. Over time, bladder endometriosis can cause a total obstruction of the ureter, distention of the pelvis and kidneys with urine, irreversible kidney damage, or even permanent loss of bladder and/or kidney function. As you can see, bladder endometriosis that goes unchecked can lead to further disease and complications affecting the bladder and kidneys.

Treating Bladder Endometriosis

Treatment of bladder endometriosis involves hormonal drug therapies, pain medication, and/or surgery to remove the scar tissue and affected tissues. In some rare cases, part of the bladder must be removed through a procedure known as cystectomy. However, if diagnosed and treated early on, bladder endometriosis responds to less invasive forms of treatment.