Endometriosis occurs when tissue resembling the uterine lining develops outside the uterus and swells, sheds, and bleeds. This could lead to symptoms such as bladder and bowel pain and inflammation that disrupts gastrointestinal processes. Endometriosis may also cause individuals to experience unexplained infertility. Here’s more information about how endometriosis affects bowel and bladder function:
Exploring Bowel Involvement
Displaced endometrial tissue can attach to the colon, rectum, or intestines. Bowel endometriosis may cause painful cramping. Over time, scarring and adhesions may develop on the bowels, leading to potential bowel obstructions. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or rectal bleeding that is synchronized with the menstrual cycle suggests the presence of endometrial tissue on the bowels. A fertility specialist may use an ultrasound or laparoscopy to identify and remove the tissue.
Recognizing Bladder Symptoms
Tissue growths on the bladder or other components of the urinary tract result in symptoms like painful urination or difficulty emptying the bladder. Endometrial lesions can irritate the bladder wall and ureters, leading to burning or discomfort when urinating before, during, or after menstruation. An increase in urgency and urinating more, even when the bladder is not full, may also be associated with endometriosis. Cyclical pelvic pain that feels like spasms may point to the bladder being affected by endometriosis.
Evaluating Digestive Health
Endometriosis can indirectly affect digestive health by triggering gastrointestinal symptoms. Scar tissue and bowel adhesions alter intestinal function or obstruct food passage, resulting in a bloated abdomen, nausea, feeling full, or experiencing irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Identifying the gynecological origins of gut symptoms allows for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Tracking symptom patterns can help patients and their healthcare providers identify endometriosis-related digestive distress.
Investigating Inflammation Effects
Endometrial lesions on bowel and bladder surfaces secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines that promote inflammation. Inflamed bowel tissue doesn’t absorb nutrients as efficiently, leading to malabsorption or diarrhea. Monitoring inflammation may provide insights into endometriosis symptoms. Steroids or anti-inflammatory medications may help disrupt inflammatory signaling pathways.
Identifying and Treating Endometriosis
Pelvic imaging techniques such as MRIs help pinpoint bowel and bladder endometriosis. Radiologists identify lesions and scar tissue near organs to help surgeons create accurate plans. Laparoscopic surgery allows physicians to visualize the pelvic cavity and remove sample tissues for biopsy and staging. This provides patients and their doctors with insights into the severity and spread of endometriosis.
Treatments like hormone therapy suppress the estrogen that fuels lesion growth and inflammation. This can alleviate bowel, bladder, and reproductive symptoms associated with endometriosis. Surgical excision removes tissue growth from affected organs to restore function. Adhesions may be lysed and scar tissue removed to relieve bowel obstructions. Pain management therapies target nerve endings to reduce chronic pelvic pain related to endometriosis. Lifestyle changes like dietary modifications and stress-relieving activities complement these medical treatments.
Connecting Fertility and Endometriosis
Endometriosis can impair fertility by creating lesions and scar tissue around reproductive organs. In the ovaries, it disrupts healthy egg development. On the fallopian tubes or uterus, it interferes with egg transfer, fertilization, and embryo implantation processes. This condition prevents pregnancies, so reproductive endocrinologists perform fertility testing and imaging to identify ovulatory dysfunction or blockages as leading causes of unexplained infertility. The ReceptivaDx test for infertility may reveal if endometrial receptivity issues are contributing to challenges. This test examines uterine lining biomarkers to forecast implantation potential.
Seek Treatment for Unexplained Infertility
Endometriosis affects multiple organ systems, impacting patients’ quality of life and reproductive health. Medical professionals provide support through counseling and treatment for unexplained infertility related to endometriosis. They could recommend that patients join support groups for individuals with endometriosis to gain access to empathetic communities of women and couples who understand their experiences. Contact a fertility specialist today to learn more about endometriosis and schedule a fertility assessment.
