Why are UTIs a common misdiagnosis when someone has endometriosis?

In one of our latest medical articles here below, Mr Hemant Vakharia, a highly regarded consultant gynaecologist and advanced laparoscopic surgeon, talks about UTIs and endometriosis, and explains why the two can often be misdiagnosed. 

Why are UTIs a common misdiagnosis when someone has endometriosis?

The bladder, uterus, ovaries. and bowel are situated very close together in the pelvis and endometriosis symptoms can often be incorrectly attributed to these other structures. We commonly see patients who have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome who ultimately are found to have endometriosis. Similarly, patients with endometriosis who suffer with lower abdominal pain are told they have a UTI.

In addition, endometriotic deposits can affect the bladder, and in some cases, go all the way through the wall of the bladder. This can result in pain when passing urine or when the bladder is full, and these can also be symptoms of a UTI. Some patients can also experience blood in their urine which can be a sign of endometriosis or a UTI.

What should patients be doing to have their symptoms investigated further?

Patients who suffer with severe period pain, pain with intercourse, pain opening their bowels, or pain passing urine should see their GP and ask to be referred to an endometriosis specialist. We know that endometriosis can be difficult to identify on scan and therefore assessment by an endometriosis specialist is really important to get a diagnosis. We also know that in some cases patients may be taken seriously so if their symptoms are persistent and severe it is important to ask for a referral to a specialist.

What's the impact of having antibiotics when you don't need them, as is often the treatment for UTIs?

Taking antibiotics in the absence of an infection can lead to antibiotic resistance, which can mean in the future there may be more bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Additionally, antibiotics can affect the good bacteria in your body leading to patients developing other problems like thrush or bowel symptoms.