9. Urinary Symptoms: An Unexpected Link to Diverticular Disease
Urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination, painful urination, or urinary urgency, can be associated with diverticular disease. These symptoms may occur due to inflammation in the colon, which can irritate the nearby bladder or ureters, leading to urinary discomfort.
Urinary incontinence is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is defined as the involuntary loss of urine and can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
In some cases, urinary incontinence may be a symptom of diverticular disease, particularly in older individuals. Studies have shown that individuals with diverticular disease are more likely to experience urinary incontinence than those without the condition. This may be due to the fact that the pressure created by the diverticula can affect the bladder and its ability to hold urine.
Urinary urgency and frequency are also common symptoms associated with diverticular disease. Urinary urgency is characterized by a strong and sudden urge to urinate, while urinary frequency refers to the need to urinate more often than usual. These symptoms may be caused by the pressure exerted on the bladder by the diverticula, leading to an increased need to urinate. In some cases, urinary urgency and frequency may also be caused by bladder irritation, which is a common complication of diverticular disease.
In addition to the direct effects on the bladder, diverticular disease can also lead to other urinary symptoms through its impact on the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in controlling urinary function and can be affected by the pressure created by the diverticula. This can result in urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency, as well as other pelvic floor dysfunctions such as pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction.
The diagnosis of diverticular disease and its associated urinary symptoms can be challenging due to the wide range of symptoms that can occur. In some cases, a simple physical exam may be sufficient to diagnose diverticular disease, but in other cases, further testing may be necessary, such as imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRI, or a colonoscopy.
If you experience persistent urinary symptoms alongside other signs of diverticular disease, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments to alleviate your symptoms. (9)
