New Delhi: Urinary tract endometriosis is a commonly underdiagnosed and prevalent condition. Many patients are unaware of it; even gynaecologists often find it difficult to diagnose unless they have specialized knowledge. Urinary tract endometriosis is frequently observed in cases of deeply infiltrating endometriosis. The incidence of urinary tract involvement can be as high as 50% in such cases, and it is generally seen in about 1% of all endometriosis cases. This condition most commonly affects the urinary bladder in approximately 80-85% of cases.
The ureter is involved in about 10-15% of cases, while the kidney and urethra are affected in only 2-3% of cases. Many patients with endometriosis experience pelvic pain, and gynaecologists often focus on treating the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other deeply infiltrating areas, such as the pouch of Douglas and the rectum.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Shafalika S B, Consultant – Minimally Invasive Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, spoke about how endometriosis can affect the urinary tract.
However, if these patients experience urinary symptoms—such as a frequent urge to urinate, leaking before reaching the bathroom, constant urinary irritation, increased frequency, urgency, or pain while urinating—it could point to urinary tract endometriosis. These symptoms are often nonspecific and are commonly mistaken for urinary tract infections.
One particularly telling symptom is the presence of blood in the urine before and after menstruation. This is characteristic of urinary tract endometriosis, particularly bladder endometriosis. If any of these symptoms are present, MRI is the most effective diagnostic tool.
In terms of diagnosis, if urinary tract endometriosis is suspected based on symptoms, the best diagnostic approach is an MRI of the pelvis. If MRI is not possible, transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound, which includes screening of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder by an expert, can also help diagnose the condition. In some cases, a cystoscopy or urethroscopy may be used to confirm the diagnosis, but it typically involves examining the pelvic area before reaching the mucus.
The treatment for urinary tract endometriosis can be either medical or surgical. Medical treatments often include continuous progesterone therapy or the use of hormone-releasing devices such as the Mirena IUD. Surgical treatment generally involves the excision of endometrial lesions in the bladder or near the ureter. It is crucial to raise awareness among women and healthcare providers about the prevalence of urinary tract endometriosis, as early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment and improved outcomes.
Endometriosis can result in a great deal of pain, but little do people know that not only can it cause painful periods but also result take a toll on the odds of getting pregnant. But now doctors say that the risk extends to the urinary tract. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
