Summary about Disease
A urethral diverticulum is a pouch or sac that forms along the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It can occur in both men and women, but is more common in women. The diverticulum can fill with urine and lead to various symptoms. It is not a sexually transmitted disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary in severity and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. Common symptoms include:
Post-void dribbling (leaking urine after urination)
Painful urination (dysuria)
Frequent urination (frequency)
Urgency (a sudden, strong need to urinate)
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
A palpable mass or swelling in the perineal area (rare)
Urethral pain
Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
Vaginal discharge (in women)
Causes
The exact cause of urethral diverticula is not always clear. However, several factors are thought to contribute:
Infection: Repeated urethral infections can weaken the urethral wall, leading to diverticulum formation.
Trauma: Trauma to the urethra, such as during childbirth or surgery, can also contribute.
Congenital: In some cases, a diverticulum may be present at birth (congenital), although this is rare.
Obstruction: Obstruction of the urethra can increase pressure and lead to the formation of a diverticulum.
Skene's gland infection: In women, infection of the Skene's glands (located near the urethra) can lead to diverticulum formation.
Medicine Used
Antibiotics: Used to treat urinary tract infections associated with the diverticulum. Specific antibiotics depend on the bacteria causing the infection.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and discomfort.
Surgery: In many cases, surgical removal of the diverticulum is the primary treatment to resolve symptoms and prevent complications.
Is Communicable
No, a urethral diverticulum is not a communicable or contagious disease. It is not spread from person to person through any means.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to prevent a urethral diverticulum from forming, as the exact cause is often unknown. However, certain measures can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, which may contribute to diverticulum formation:
Practice good hygiene, including wiping from front to back after using the toilet.
Drink plenty of fluids to flush out bacteria.
Urinate after sexual intercourse.
Avoid irritants like perfumed soaps or feminine hygiene products.
Promptly treat any urinary tract infections.
How long does an outbreak last?
A urethral diverticulum is not an "outbreak" situation like a viral infection. Symptoms can be chronic or intermittent. If left untreated, the symptoms related to urethral diverticulum (such as UTIs or pain) can persist indefinitely. Treatment (usually surgery) is needed to resolve the problem.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of:
Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam.
Urinalysis and urine culture: To check for infection.
Imaging studies:
Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG): An X-ray taken while you urinate, allowing the doctor to visualize the urethra.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of the urethra and surrounding tissues.
Ultrasound: Can help identify fluid-filled sacs near the urethra.
Cystoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the urethra to visualize it directly.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary greatly.
Onset: Symptoms may develop gradually over time or appear suddenly.
Progression: Symptoms may be mild at first and worsen over time as the diverticulum grows or becomes infected.
Intermittency: Some people may experience periods of remission where symptoms improve or disappear, followed by periods of exacerbation where symptoms worsen.
Chronic: Without treatment, symptoms can become chronic and persistent.
Important Considerations
Urethral diverticula can be challenging to diagnose due to the variability of symptoms.
Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications such as recurrent UTIs, abscess formation, and urethral stricture.
Surgery is often the most effective treatment option, but the specific surgical approach will depend on the size and location of the diverticulum.
It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of different treatment options with your doctor.
Follow-up care after treatment is important to monitor for recurrence.