Urethral Diverticulum
What is a urethral diverticulum?
A urethral diverticulum (UD) is a condition that causes a “pocket,” or an outpouching, along the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body and allows for urination). Urethral diverticulum is rare, but is more common in women between the ages of 40 and 70.
What are the symptoms of a urethral diverticulum?
Not everyone who has a urethral diverticulum will experience symptoms. However, some symptoms of a urethral diverticulum may include:
Urinary urgency or frequency
Recurring urinary tract infections
Pain with urination (dysuria)
Pain with sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
Blood in the urine
Leaking urine
Non-urine discharge
Feeling or incomplete bladder emptying after urination
Bladder pain
What causes a urethral diverticulum?
While urethral diverticulum isn’t common, various factors increase the chances of having this condition. This includes frequent urinary tract infections and trauma to the area, such as obstetric trauma during delivery, including vaginal tears caused by the use of forceps or a vacuum.
A urethral diverticulum can be caused by an infection of the glands that are connected to the urethra. The glands can fill with fluid or materials, which will cause the outpouching. Over time, urine may collect in that area, causing the pouch to increase in size.
How is a urethral diverticulum diagnosed?
In women, a urethral diverticulum looks like a fist-like protrusion on the top of the vaginal wall and can be detected by your doctor during a physical exam.
Because not all UDs have symptoms, a urethral diverticulum may be found during a routine exam or test for another condition. It may take some time before a urethral diverticulum is properly diagnosed.
Other tools used to diagnose a UD include:
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Ultrasound
Tests that measure urinary tract function
How is a urethral diverticulum treated?
Urethral diverticulum is treated by a urethral diverticulectomy, in which the protrusion on the urethra is surgically removed. In some instances, the surgeon may be able to drain the contents of the sac rather than removing the UD completely. After your surgery, you will most likely need a course of antibiotics and to use a catheter for several weeks while you heal from the procedure.