About three in every 10 people who use ketamine will get a condition called ketamine bladder, according to data from the British Association of Urological Surgeons.
Despite these figures, many people aren’t aware of the condition and potential health risks it poses. Often misdiagnosed as standard urinary tract infections, ketamine bladder may share a few symptoms but can lead to more severe, long-term damage.
To help you understand the harm ketamine can cause with ketamine bladder, we’ll look at what the condition is, what symptoms it causes, and whether ketamine bladder ever goes away.
Ketamine bladder is a condition leading to severe damage to the bladder and urinary tract, caused by the excessive, long-term misuse of ketamine.
Also known as ketamine-associated cystitis, ketamine uropathy, and K Bladder, ketamine bladder can lead to other complications if left untreated – scarring on the bladder, reduced bladder function, and potentially even kidney damage.
While ketamine is often used in hospitals for pain management, it’s the recreational use of the substance that can cause issues, particularly when used frequently.
The longer ketamine bladder goes untreated, the more severe the symptoms of the condition can be.
While earlier symptoms can cause discomfort, more advanced symptoms can be excruciating and may even lead to other conditions developing.
Knowing the earlier symptoms of ketamine bladder to look out for can help you get the treatment you need sooner. Early treatment is crucial to prevent more severe, long-term side effects of the condition.
Early warning signs of ketamine bladder to be aware of include:
You may also notice when you do feel the urge to urinate, you have less time to make it to the toilet before it becomes impossible to hold.
It can be easy to dismiss the earlier symptoms of ketamine bladder as infections, such as a UTI or cystitis. However, if you have used ketamine at any point and are experiencing these symptoms of ketamine bladder, it’s best to see your GP to rule it out.
You can experience symptoms of ketamine bladder even on days when you haven’t actually used the substance.
When ketamine bladder is left untreated, the symptoms can become more severe, painful, and less responsive to treatment.
As the condition progresses, you may notice more advanced symptoms of ketamine bladder, including:
Undiagnosed ketamine bladder can also lead to other complications with the kidneys and upper urinary tract, such as kidney failure, hydronephrosis (kidney swelling), and stricture formation – narrowing of the tubes connecting the bladder and kidney.
While there isn’t an exact answer as to why ketamine affects the bladder specifically, there are some reasons that could explain it.
When you take ketamine, your body breaks it down and flushes it out in your urine. As the breakdown products pass through the bladder, it gets repeatedly exposed to these harmful chemicals, causing irritation and inflammation.
Over time, such exposure can lead to scarring and ulcers on the bladder lining or even cause the bladder to shrink.
Other studies suggest ketamine is linked to apoptosis – a form of programmed cell death. Apoptosis is used by the body to get rid of old or damaged cells, which could play a part in causing ketamine bladder.
Ketamine bladder symptoms mimic those of other infections, like UTIs. As such, doctors will typically use several diagnostic methods to ensure the correct results.
Each case is different, and not everyone will need all of these methods for doctors to come to a diagnosis. However, knowing what tests you may be asked to carry out can make the process feel a little bit less daunting.
Stopping ketamine use altogether is the best way to treat and prevent the condition from occurring in the first place.
We know when you’re dealing with a ketamine addiction, quitting is often easier said than done. However, you don’t need to face addiction alone. Residential rehabilitation centres put you in the care of addiction specialists trained to support you through addiction.
Organisations like Talk to Frank and Narcotics Anonymous UK run group sessions where you can meet people on their own recovery journeys.
Healthcare professionals may try starting you on certain medications to help manage the painful symptoms of ketamine bladder.
Common medications, such as anti-inflammatories and pain relievers, may be used to reduce the swelling and discomfort. Anticholinergic medications can help reduce the need to go to the bathroom urgently, as well as calm any bladder spasms.
In some cases, antibiotics may be given if there are signs of an additional urinary tract infection.
For advanced cases of ketamine bladder where the condition is irreversible, surgery may be offered to alleviate the painful symptoms. Typically, there are two types of surgery used here: augmentation enterocystoplasty or a cystectomy.
For cases where the bladder is still functional, augmentation enterocystoplasty is used to expand the size of the bladder, reducing pain and the frequency of urination.
A cystectomy is used for more severe cases where the bladder is no longer functional. Surgeons remove the bladder, creating a stoma for urine to collect into a bag outside of the body.
Speaking to medical professionals as early as possible is crucial to help identify ketamine bladder before the damage becomes irreversible.
If you use ketamine or are dealing with a ketamine addiction and notice any of the following signs, speak to your GP:
Severe cases of ketamine bladder may require more immediate medical attention. If you notice your pelvic pain worsening, you can’t hold urine in, or you’re experiencing a fever, chills, back pain, or nausea, go to A&E as soon as possible.
Yes, ketamine bladder can go away. However, it does depend on how much damage has already occurred to the bladder.
In some cases, where the damage is extensive, it may not be possible for ketamine bladder to go away fully without surgery. Early diagnosis, treatment, and stopping ketamine are all crucial to helping your body repair and recover completely from the condition.
If you’re worried about a ketamine addiction causing bladder complications, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The earlier doctors know about your struggles with the condition, the higher your chances of a full recovery.
Stopping ketamine use helps prevent ketamine bladder from occurring in the first place, but we know that can often be easier said than done – we’re here to help.
Our bespoke ketamine addiction rehabilitation is designed to support you through addiction recovery. With us, you get 24/7 support from recovery specialists, your own en-suite bedroom for privacy, and guidance from counsellors and therapists.
You don’t need to go through recovery alone, as we’re by your side every step of the way. Give us a call on 0808 168 2433 or send us an email to help@gladstonesclinic.com.
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