What Does Ketamine Do To Your Bladder?

Ketamine, which was originally developed as an anaesthetic, has also been used to treat severe depression and chronic pain. However, unfortunately, the drug is also commonly used and abused recreationally because of its hallucinogenic and euphoric effects.

Its growing popularity in both medical and party scenes has meant that concerns about its impact on various body systems have also increased – namely bladder health. Here, we look at how ketamine can affect the bladder and explore the symptoms of ketamine bladder, its risk factors and appropriate treatment if you’re worried about your own health or a loved one.

Understanding Ketamine And Its Uses

Ketamine is a dissociative drug that is commonly used in medical settings as an anaesthetic. It works by altering the brain’s neurotransmitters and impacts how much pain a patient can feel, almost removing them from the situation. It also blocks the receptors responsible for mood regulation and memory function.

As a result of its rapid pain relief and sedation abilities, it has also been used to treat depression, especially where traditional antidepressants haven’t worked. Infusions of low-dose ketamine, which are administered under medical supervision, can provide relief from mental health symptoms, often within a few hours.

The drug has been used to manage chronic pain, including complex regional pain syndrome, and its analgesic properties have been shown to improve overall quality of life for patients suffering from several debilitating conditions.

What Does Ketamine Do To Your Bladder?

Ketamine Bladder Syndrome (KBS) refers to various bladder issues that are associated with ketamine use. This is because studies show that the bladder and other critical parts of the urinary system can become severely damaged by the drug.

When ingested, over time, ketamine can irritate and inflame the urinary tract, leading to several symptoms that affect overall bladder function and urinary health. For this reason, medical professionals warn against using ketamine recreationally or in high doses.

Mr David Gillatt, a urologist, has even warned that K bladder, which is a bigger problem in the UK compared to anywhere else in Europe, has resulted in some people having their bladders removed. He also warned about the future risk of kidney damage for some ketamine users. As a result, urology departments across the UK have even set up specialist clinics to help the increasing number of young people with ketamine-related bladder issues.

Symptoms Of Ketamine-Induced Bladder Issues

Symptoms of ketamine bladder problems include an increased urge to urinate at all times of the day, a persistent urge to urinate which can be difficult to control and pain or discomfort during urination. While the severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person, they can significantly impact an individual’s ability to enjoy daily life. This impact can be profound, which is why it’s important to seek professional help if you or someone you know is suffering.

It’s believed that up to 30% of ketamine users will experience at least one bladder symptom. What’s more, using ketamine at least three times a week over a period of two years has been shown to result in altered bladder function, with some individuals experiencing severe urological problems and pain. Some users even experience the onset of symptoms quickly within a few weeks or months of taking the drug.

The Mechanism Behind Bladder Damage

There are several reasons why ketamine can potentially cause bladder damage. For starters, ketamine can induce inflammation in the urinary tract and bladder, which can result in swelling and irritation. Studies also show that ketamine can cause direct irritation to the bladder lining, impacting its ability to work properly. Prolonged and excessive use of ketamine can also disrupt the normal function of the bladder, again resulting in pain and discomfort.

Dr Mohammed Belal from the British Association of Urological Surgeons explains, “Ketamine destroys the lining of the bladder. And that can have very serious consequences. We’ve noticed lots of young patients with severe bladder problems that we would not expect to see until patients are much older.”

The Risk Factors For Developing Bladder Issues

Studies have shown that some people are more at risk of developing ketamine-induced bladder issues. This includes those on higher doses of the drug and those who take ketamine recreationally, as typically, the latter involves higher doses compared to medical applications.

Regular and long-term ketamine use also increases the risk of bladder damage, and frequent ketamine use has been shown to worsen systems, leading to more severe complications. Finally, those individuals who have pre-existing health conditions like bladder disorders or urinary tract infections are also more at risk of bladder issues associated with ketamine use.

For this reason, monitoring ketamine use and only using it as instructed by a medical professional is key to managing any risks. What’s more, early intervention can help to ensure that any patients who might suffer from bladder issues can be treated effectively and quickly before the problem gets any worse.

Seeking Help And Treatment Options

If you or someone you know experiences any of the above urinary symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional will examine you to determine the extent of the damage and prescribe appropriate treatment. This could include pain relief and medication to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation. You will also be given advice on using ketamine and making lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms.

While ketamine bladder can be very painful, a healthcare team can offer the right guidance and medication to help manage any issues more effectively.

Prioritising Your Bladder Health

Taking care of your bladder health is key, especially if you’re experiencing any urinary symptoms or using this substance. What’s more, getting in touch with healthcare professionals about any concerns you may have can ensure that you get the right treatment more quickly and can manage any potential ketamine bladder effects.

If you have any concerns about your own ketamine use and want to talk to a friendly and experienced team, our phone line is always available.