Endometriosis can cause a number of unpleasant side effects. Issues with the bladder and bowels are just a couple of them that can cause misery for sufferers.
Here, you’ll discover more about the bladder and bowel issues associated with the condition. You’ll also find out about the best treatment options available if you do experience any of the symptoms mentioned.
Issues with the Bladder
One of the symptoms that can present when you have endometriosis is pain when urinating. However, the condition can also impact the bladder in numerous other ways. Thankfully, bladder issues are rare for those with the condition, but they do occur in some patients.
The most common bladder-related issues caused by endometriosis include:
- Irritation of the bladder
- Blood in the urine
- Urgent need to frequently urinate
- Pain when the bladder becomes full
These symptoms tend to occur when the endometriosis has spread to the bladder. It can either impact it superficially, or at a deeper level. Superficial cases include where the condition is found on the outside of the bladder. Deeper level issues are caused when the endometriosis develops on the inside of the bladder.
Issues with the Bowels
The condition can also cause problems for the bowels. Like the bladder issues, bowel troubles can either occur due to superficial or deeper endometriosis.
The symptoms of bowel issues caused by endometriosis are very similar to those presented in irritable bowel syndrome. It’s common for them to worsen just before the menstrual cycle. The most common bowel symptoms associated with the condition include:
- Pain when emptying the bowels
- Rectal bleeding during menstruation
- Deep pain within the pelvis during sexual intercourse
If you notice these symptoms and you also experience higher than normal levels of pain during menstruation, it’s a strong sign that it’s associated with endometriosis. However, you’ll still need your doctor to confirm it before starting any treatment.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
If you experience bladder or bowel issues caused by endometriosis, there are treatment options available. First, you’ll want to pay a visit to your doctor to talk through your symptoms. They will be able to confirm whether or not they are connected to the condition. You’ll need to undergo several tests to determine the full extent of the problem and to rule out other potential conditions.
Whether you experience bladder or bowel issues, the treatments are pretty much the same. You’ll be able to undergo pain relief medication, hormone treatments and surgery if the case is severe. However, surgery tends to be the less common option.
It’s also worth noting that once you start pain relief and hormonal treatments, you’ll need to continue to take them. If you stop, the symptoms will return. There is no cure for endometriosis, although surgery can sometimes clear up the condition temporarily. Therefore, most treatments need to be continued in order for them to remain effective.
