Urethral Diverticulum - anyone else?

Hi CMMama and welcome. I would certainly be very cautious. GP's aren't always the best at diagnosing a prolapse, and a gyn at the other end of the telephone probably isn't much better. What exactly were the symptoms associated with this bump, that pointed towards not being a prolapse? We aren't medical folks here, but we certainly hear from alot of women with various symptoms. - Surviving

I put urethral diverticulum in the search box up above, and 3 other threads came up. I haven't read them but you can do the same and check them out. - Surviving

If this is what I have? I too thought I had a prolapsed bladder and think my bladder does sag but below this saggy area, the lump I have at my vaginal opening is firm, about the size of a large grape, and not squishy like a cystocele.... I can't feel it move or pull up when I lie down whereas the sagging bladder above this lump does improve when I'm not standing... Doctor, physio and obstetrician have all had a look and not even confirmed prolapse (I know I have rectocele at the very least) just lax walls consistent with having had two vaginal deliveries.... It's a mystery....

I should mention I had a forceps delivery and back to back labour...

One would think doctors would pick up all sorts of things during vaginal examinations but they just don't! So far I've been told my prolapse is just 'normal vahinal tissue'. Hmmmmm.
But I think you are right in as much as if there were an infection it would not be pain free and would have gotten worse. I did some reading around and saw this thread. https://www.wholewoman.com/forum/node/1362
Think it's more likely a Urethracele connected to a higher up cystocele that's going on with me. I just couldn't figure out why the bulge seems so muscly and isn't much affected by bladder fullness and your post got me investigating. I'm pretty much of the mind that my bladder must put weight on it at any rate and the approach to healing is ww posture and work any way.
I hope you get some answers soon and congratulations to you too! It's a rubbish time to be dealing with these problems but I'm slowly coming to terms with the fluctuations and enjoying life a bit more most days without the fear which is a great feeling.

In your first post you said that you first came upon the idea of the diverticulum in your own research. Later you said that the gyno on the phone suggested it. I'm wondering therefore if you suggested it first to the doctor?

Miss D is right, doctors don't get a lot of this stuff right even upon examination, much less over the phone. Putting you on antibiotics (while nursing!) sounds like they are just covering their bases because they really don't know.

At 6 weeks PP there can be all kinds of stuff going on that just needs time to heal. Christine has explained why so many PP moms experience symptoms several weeks later, not immediately after giving birth. Start the WW work before any more time goes by; you will see a difference. Don't let them cut you until you are convinced it's necessary and you have gotten other opinions. - Surviving

Dear cmmama,
Thank you for your query. Sometimes symptoms can point a number of different causes/issues and it can be difficult to make a diagnosis. I wasn't sure what a urethral diverticulum was so I looked it up on google. A site called 'seek wellness.com looked quite good. An article on urethral diverticulum included the following symptoms:

Urethral diverticula present some of the more challenging diagnostic and reconstructive cases in urology. Patients may complain of the following symptoms: recurrent urinary tract infections, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, post-void dribbling, dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse), dysuria (difficulty voiding), urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying (urinary retention) or a multitude of other non-specific lower urinary tract symptoms.(2) An anterior vaginal wall mass may be noted on physical examination, which, upon palpation, may be quite tender and express purulent (pus) discharge through the urethra.

However it sounds as if you're thinking you're more likely to have a pop.

Your query got me thinking though. If you have a symptom which is not causing any pain or problems and is not life threatening and not seen, then personally I don't think there's any particular reason to be on antibiotics or have surgery. The same is true for many women with pop. I sometimes think some people have gone overboard with the idea of perfect bodies, externally and/or internally. This has led to some sad and horrendous treatment of women internationally.

I also think some people don't realise that symptoms do not necessarily remain or get worse. Of course it depends on whatever the problem is, individual circumstances etc. And some situations require allopathic medicine/surgery asap. However many ailments/problems may benefit from trying a more natural and less intrusive approach, which may take time and effort - and treatment by people who are knowledgable and competent. Many women are surprised their pop symptoms may vary, and can get better or worse. They are even more surprised their symptoms can improve significantly and can either be managed successfully and happily or in some cases recover completely from it. Somehow my culture (UK) has somehow disempowered women so that they feel they have to rely on outside intervention and 'be done to' rather than rely on themselves as well as others and work with practitioners towards healing and recovery. If this doesn't work - then allopathic treatment is wonderful. Perhaps we have become too passive in our treatment of ourselves?

I love these threads - always food for thought!
xwholewomanuk

I had a Bartholin cyst that plagued me on and off through my teens and twenties. it would be quite painful until it broke; i used to soak in a hot tub waiting for it to rupture. This would be noticeable on one side or the other, so this is probably not what you had, though your description of the relief you got when it broke made me think of it. Let us know what you find out. - Surviving

So glad I came across this forum. Feeling so isolated. Have been to A&E twice in a matter of weeks and seen numerous gaeaoclogists and urologists to be told what I have is a suspected Urethral Diverticulum and that it's nothing to worry about. Well as you can imagine I've done nothing but worry. Can anyone share their stories and how their diagnosis was made? did you have surgery or just learn to live and manage the condition. Sorry in advance for all the questions.

Victoria

Hi Victoria and welcome. This thread is over a year old, and quite honestly I can't recall that the subject has come up since then. You can try using the search function as I described in my second post above. Apart from that.....maybe someone else with relevant experience will see this post. Sorry - not much help, I know. - Surviving

Hello Victoria, I have also been diagnosed with urethral diverticulitis. It's been no fun as it's been very asymptonatic. I'm always thinking I have a uti then go to the dr and am told I don't after a urine test. I think I have yeast in the diverticulitis. But there are no tests for that. I've been on yeast meds for 5 months now reeking havoc on my digestion. I have surgury booked for dec 8 but am getting worried about that as it approaches and thinking I might bump it a little as it's so close to Christmas. Just want to let u know you aren't alone. I see your post was in May this year. That is about when I saw the urologist & he diagnosed mine. What is the update on yours? Anyone on here who has had the surgury? Hopefully with good results?

What type of surgery is performed for this condition? It doesn't sound like a very safe bet; please proceed with caution. - Surviving