Urethral diverticula.

Abstract

Urethral diverticula are a common cause of chronic genitourinary symptoms in women. They occur in three percent of women overall with higher frequencies in selected populations of symptomatic women. The peak incidence is between the ages of 25-45 but they affect all ages. The classical presentation is with recurrent urinary tract infections and post micturition dribbling but almost any urinary symptom may be a presenting feature. Reported cure rates following surgery approach 70% for recurrent urinary tract infection and almost 100% for local symptoms such as dyspareunia. However, despite this and the availability of effective diagnostic techniques diagnosis is often delayed. This is partly due to a lack of awareness among clinicians and partly because the condition overlaps the traditional territories of gynaecologists and urologists.