Understanding Bladder Diverticulum: A Wife’s Concern
Greetings, Doctors! I’m reaching out for some insights from a urologist. Let me provide you with some background on my husband. - Age: 41 years - Gender: Male - Weight: 220 pounds - Medications: None currently prescribed This past Sunday, my husband expressed difficulty urinating later in the day. He had experienced similar issues two days earlier, but it seemed to resolve until Saturday when he had no trouble. However, on Sunday, he was consistently uncomfortable, feeling an urgent need to urinate but could only manage to release a few drops. I decided to take him to the emergency room, where he again struggled to void. A bladder scan revealed that he had retained over 1,000 cc of urine, leading to the necessity of catheterization which is expected to remain in place until next Thursday. A CT scan did not show any abnormalities, save for the presence of a 7 cm by 4 cm bladder diverticulum. Interestingly, his prostate seemed normal in size, and the catheter was inserted without significant complications. He is scheduled for a voiding trial next Thursday, and I am hopeful that he will be able to urinate successfully. I’m curious about the likelihood of surgery being needed in this situation. His urinalysis came back clear, showing no signs of infection. He mentioned finding it easier to urinate while seated rather than standing. Could this issue be attributed to a weakened pelvic floor? Furthermore, I have observed that after the catheter was placed, his scrotum has noticeably shrunk in size and often feels firm to the touch. What could be contributing to this change? Honestly, I am more anxious about his condition than he seems to be and would greatly appreciate any guidance on what steps we should anticipate moving forward. Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
3/5/2026, 11:30:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your husband's situation. It sounds like you have understandable concerns about his urinary issues and the associated bladder diverticulum. Here’s a breakdown of the key points and what to expect moving forward.
Main Points
- Bladder Diverticulum: This is a pouch that can form in the bladder wall, and while it may not always cause problems, it can contribute to difficulty urinating.
- Current Symptoms: Your husband is experiencing urinary retention, which has been partially alleviated by catheterization.
- Future Steps: Monitoring during the voiding trial next Thursday will be critical, and surgical intervention may be considered depending on the results.
Explanation
A bladder diverticulum can cause urinary obstruction or discomfort, especially if it interferes with the normal flow of urine. While a normal prostate size is a good sign, the urgency and retention of urine he is experiencing can indeed be related to this diverticulum, and potentially, pelvic floor issues could also play a role.
The change you mentioned in his scrotum size and firmness post-catheterization may relate to fluid shifts, pressure changes, or even the positioning during catheter use. It’s essential to monitor this symptom and mention it during follow-ups.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in urination, including frequency, volume, and comfort levels. This information will be helpful during his follow-up appointments.
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Prepare for the Voiding Trial: Encourage him to relax during the trial. Sitting down may indeed help facilitate easier urination due to bodily position, particularly for men with urinary difficulties.
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Communicate Concerns: Make a list of observations, including the scrotum changes, and present these to the healthcare provider during follow-ups. This will help ensure all concerns are addressed.
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Consider Lifestyle Changes: To support pelvic floor health, gentle exercises may help. Pelvic floor physical therapy could also be beneficial, but check with the doctor for personalized recommendations.
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Plan for Next Steps: If he continues to have retention or if symptoms worsen, discussions about surgery or other interventions may be necessary, so stay engaged during appointments.
Your concerns are valid, and it’s good that you are attentive to his health. Being proactive in communications with his healthcare providers will be crucial in managing his condition effectively. Let me know if there’s anything else I can assist you with!
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