Endometriosis is a common women’s health issue that affects around 10% of women between the ages of 15-44.
The condition usually affects your reproductive organs, but can also be found on other pelvic organs including the bladder.
If you have pelvic pain or other symptoms of bladder endometriosis, contact the physicians at Maiden Lane Medical in New York, NY.
Our endometriosis specialists treat patients at eight offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
What Is Bladder Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful women’s reproductive health issue that occurs when endometrial tissue forms outside of your uterus.
Bladder endometriosis, sometimes called urinary tract endometriosis, is when you have endometrial lesions on your bladder wall.
Bladder endometriosis is categorized as either superficial endometriosis or deep endometriosis, depending on whether the lesions are located on the surface of the bladder walls, or inside of the bladder or the bladder lining, where it can form nodules or affect a ureter.
What Are Bladder Endometriosis Symptoms?
Pelvic pain is one of the hallmark symptoms of endometriosis, regardless of the location of the lesions.
Bladder endometriosis often causes a combination of standard endometriosis symptoms such as pelvic pain, an irregular menstrual cycle, painful sex, and fertility issues with bladder symptoms like painful urination, urinary frequency and urgency, and hematuria (blood in urine).
These symptoms are nonspecific, which means they could be caused by any one of a variety of health issues.
This is why it’s critical to talk to your trusted gynecologist and have an exam and tests to identify the underlying condition causing your symptoms.
What Causes Bladder Endometriosis?
The causes of bladder endometriosis are unclear.
Some of the factors that could contribute to endometriosis include:
- Hormone imbalances
- Immunologic dysfunction
- Inflammatory reactions
- Genetic factors
Retrograde menstruation was once believed to cause endometriosis. However, this hypothesis is unfounded.
Find out how our doctors can help you!
When Should I Talk to a Bladder Endometriosis Specialist?
Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong with your body.
Additionally, abnormal periods and urinary issues are common symptoms of multiple health issues ranging from endometriosis and uterine fibroids to interstitial cystitis and bladder cancer.
As a result, you should make an appointment with one of our endometriosis specialists to find out what is causing your pain, irregular or painful periods, and other symptoms.
How Is Bladder Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Bladder endometriosis diagnosis begins with a consultation with a gynecologist.
After discussing your painful symptoms and health history, your doctor performs a pelvic examination and may order lab tests.
Depending on the results of your tests, your doctor may order additional tests, such as:
- Ultrasounds
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Hysteroscopy
- Cystoscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Biopsy
What Treatments Are Available for Endometriosis on the Bladder?
Our gynecologists offer various options for the treatment of bladder endometriosis.
In most cases, your doctor will begin with conservative medical treatments such as combined oral contraceptives, hormonal treatments, pain relievers, and lifestyle modifications.
If these treatments don’t resolve your urinary endometriosis, your doctor may suggest surgical treatment options.
Depending on your specific condition, your doctor may suggest pelvic surgery such as minimally invasive laparoscopy or transurethral surgery.
If these treatments don’t resolve your urinary endometriosis, your doctor may suggest surgical treatment options.
Depending on your specific condition, your doctor may suggest pelvic surgery such as minimally invasive laparoscopy or transurethral surgery.
The Maiden Lane Medical team specializes in radical resection surgery.
This approach allows us to remove endometrial-like cells, lesions, and scar tissue from your bladder and other pelvic organs. Many patients prefer this approach as it preserves their fertility.
Historically, women had hysterectomies to treat endometriosis. Our approach effectively relieves endometriosis symptoms while preserving your ability to have children.
Call Maiden Lane Medical in Manhattan, NY today or schedule an appointment online if you have any bladder endometriosis symptoms.
We offer comprehensive exams and testing to confirm the cause of your pain and abnormal bleeding and personalized treatment to help restore your health.