Introduction
The March 2023 study by Jong BE et al., published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, provides new insights into the interplay between sexual and bladder dysfunction in women who consume ketamine. This work underscores the importance of recognizing ketamine-associated genitourinary complications in clinical practice.
Key Findings
- Prevalence of Symptoms: Women consuming ketamine frequently present with both bladder and sexual dysfunction. Symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, and pain, alongside reduced sexual desire and dyspareunia.
- Interconnection: The study highlights a strong correlation between bladder severity and sexual dysfunction, suggesting overlapping or related pathophysiology.
- Mechanisms: Ketamine’s toxic effects on the urothelium and potential neurogenic inflammation may contribute to these issues, alongside secondary psychological impacts.
- Clinical Implications: These findings stress the need for comprehensive patient evaluation, including urological and sexual health assessments, when treating individuals with a history of ketamine use.
The VitalPoint for Providers
For clinicians managing women with a history of ketamine use, this study emphasizes the dual assessment of bladder and sexual health. Early recognition of symptoms could improve patient outcomes through multidisciplinary care, including urology, gynecology, and addiction medicine interventions.
Relevant Links:
- PubMed Abstract
- Ketamine and Genitourinary Health – Overview