Q&A with Myesha Banks, APRN, WHNP-BC, Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Specialist in Dallas, Texas
We asked one of our expert pelvic pain and endometriosis specialists to help our patients understand how endometriosis affects the bladder, how this may lead to misdiagnosis, and if the effects of endo on the bladder can mean a different treatment.
How does endometriosis affect the bladder, and what are the most common symptoms patients experience?
Endometriosis affects the bladder by causing inflammation around the muscle. This can lead to urinary frequency, bladder spasms, and painful urination, and in severe cases, patients may notice blood in their urine, especially during their menstrual cycle.
Can endometriosis in the bladder lead to misdiagnosis, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or interstitial cystitis (IC)?
Yes, bladder endometriosis mimics the symptoms of UTIs and ICs. If patients experience these symptoms, they should seek evaluation. If test results are negative for UTI and/or IC, endometriosis should be considered.
What specific diagnostic tests or procedures can help identify endometriosis on or around the bladder?
The best way to identify endometriosis on or around the bladder is with laparoscopy. Endometriosis does not often show up on imaging like MRI or CT scans, nor is it visualized inside the bladder with cystoscopy. A laparoscopic procedure also provides the opportunity to have the endo removed from around the bladder to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms.
How does bladder endometriosis differ in treatment approach compared to endometriosis found in other areas?
In many ways, it does not. Endometriosis in or around any pelvic organs is best treated by excision procedure and also hormonal suppression. Care should be taken to have the excision procedure performed by a skilled specialist to minimize the risk of injury to the bladder.
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What are the best pain management or treatment options available for patients with bladder-related endometriosis symptoms?
Surgical excision is the gold standard for treatment. However, this is not always accessible. Other ways to effectively treat bladder-related endo symptoms would be with the PRM Protocol™, where inflamed muscles and nerves around the bladder are treated, as well as hormonal therapies to suppress the growth of endometriosis lesions.
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Are there lifestyle or dietary modifications that may help alleviate bladder discomfort associated with endometriosis?
Yes. Reducing inflammation in the body is key. Limiting inflammatory foods such as sugar, caffeine, red meat, and dairy is helpful as well as consuming more anti-inflammatory foods such as garlic and turmeric. Reducing stress and anxiety will be beneficial and the use of hormonal suppression can aid in limiting the inflammation endometriosis causes.
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How is Endometriosis Treated at PRM?
Endometriosis is a systemic, inflammatory disease process. Every time there is a menstrual cycle, there is inflammation, healing, and scarring, repeatedly over a person’s lifetime.
Commonly found hiding in small areas of the pelvis, endometriosis lesions lead to the pelvic floor muscles entering into a chronic guarding state which squeezes the nerves of the pelvic floor and causes chronic pelvic pain, emphasizing the need for lifetime management through the PRM Center of Excellence.
By addressing the root causes of inflammation and pain, the PRM Protocol™ aims to improve the quality of life for those suffering from endometriosis and its associated comorbidities.
How Does PRM Care for Endometriosis Patients?
The gold standard of treatment for endometriosis is excision surgery. With a goal to reduce the total number of surgeries endometriosis patients must undergo in their lifetime, the PRM Center of Excellence provides lifetime care for endometriosis patients through a three-step approach:
Pre-Habilitation: Preparing the body to undergo endometriosis excision surgery with the goal of reducing inflammation in the pelvic floor, addressing comorbidities such as bladder pain and chronic constipation, and optimizing surgical outcomes.
Endometriosis Excision Surgery: A laparoscopic procedure that removes endometriosis lesions from the body. Excision surgery is the gold standard in the treatment of endometriosis and through the PRM Center of Excellence, patients find comfort in knowing that each excision surgeon has experience in complex cases and is fellowship-trained, emphasizing their expertise in treating endometriosis.
Post-Habilitation: Addressing residual inflammation and comorbidities from endometriosis following a patient’s surgery. Because of the inflammatory nature of endometriosis, it is important for endometriosis patients to receive treatment through the PRM Protocol™ not only in the weeks following their surgery, but as needed in the years to come.
Conclusion
Understanding how endometriosis impacts the bladder sheds light on the complexities of this condition and the importance of comprehensive care. Bladder-related symptoms often go misdiagnosed, prolonging the journey to effective treatment.
Through excision surgery and the PRM Protocol™, PRM provides a pathway to lasting relief, targeting both the underlying inflammation and associated symptoms of endometriosis. For those suffering from endometriosis-related bladder pain, PRM’s approach, including expert excision and targeted pre and post-surgical care, offers hope for a better quality of life, ensuring patients don’t face their symptoms alone.
