Many people who use the club drug ketamine – known as “special K” – may risk abdominal pain, bladder control problems and other urinary tract issues, and the heavier the dose or frequency of use, the more likely the problems, according to a UK study.

The study, which appeared in the British Journal of Urology International, found that of 1,285 young adults who said they’d abused ketamine in the past year, 27 percent had developed urinary tract symptoms.

In medicine, ketamine is used as an anesthetic. In clubs, where it’s better known as “special K,” ketamine is snorted or sometimes injected, with users saying it creates feelings of euphoria and being “out of your body.”

Related: Ketamine: A miracle antidepressant?

Ketamine abuse is on the rise in many countries, and repeated use has been linked to mental problems such as hallucinations and impaired memory, thinking and concentration. It can also cause high blood pressure.

The study, led by Angela Cottrell, a researcher at the Bristol Urological Institute, looked at the prevalence of urinary tract symptoms such as pain in the lower belly, painful urination, blood in the urine and bladder-control problems.

“The take-home message is that regular ketamine use can lead to severe urinary symptoms,” Cottrell said, although she did say it was not clear how the rate of urinary problems among ketamine users compared to young people in general.

The findings were based on an online survey promoted by a UK club-music magazine called “MixMag.”

Of 3,806 young people who responded, half said they’d tried it at least once, while 1,285 – or a third of the whole group – said they’d used it in the last year.

The researchers found that among all of the past-year users, 17 percent had symptoms of ketamine dependence such as wanting, but failing, to cut down on the drug. Not surprisingly, they tended to take the drug in bigger doses, and more often, than other users.

In general, the odds of urinary problems and abdominal pain went up as people’s ketamine doses climbed, and with more frequent use.

Those symptoms often seem to go away once the ketamine abuse stops.

For the study, 251 survey respondents described their experience. half said they’d stopped using the drug and their symptoms had improved. Another 43 percent still had urinary problems, but were also still abusing ketamine.

Then there was the 4 percent who said their urinary problems were getting worse even though they were off ketamine.

“There may be a stage where irreversible damage may occur,” Cottrell said. “However, little is known about this.”

Dr. Robert Pugach, Medical Director of Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center (PCUMC), was proud to host two “Girls’ Time Out” events on November 11, 2010, in Orange County, CA. these educational events were held as part of a national women’s health campaign called Facing our Moments Together.  PCUMC was one of 20 urological practices in the United States selected to participate in these special community events. the events were designed to encourage women who are suffering with bladder control issues to reclaim control of their health and their quality of life.

More than 50 women attended the two events where they received overactive bladder educational materials, participated in conversations with Dr. Pugach on bladder control treatment options, and had an opportunity to talk with patients who have undergone advanced treatments for their bladder control problems.

“Overactive bladder (OAB) affects 35 million Americans and it is one of the most common health problems that women face,” said Dr. Pugach. “Many women struggle with bladder control problems for a long time, because they are embarrassed or don’t know that simple, effective treatments are available,” said Dr. Pugach.

Gail, 67 of Lakewood, CA; Linda, 62 of Los Alamitos, CA; and, Katherine, 42 of Long Beach, CA were part of a panel of patients who spoke with the attendees to share their experiences and their successful bladder control treatments. these three women had struggled with overactive bladder for years and had tried medication and various other treatments with limited success. the women consulted with Dr. Pugach and now have successfully treated their OAB and have reclaimed control of their lives. Gail and Katherine were treated with the remarkable InterStim® device and Linda received a bladder sling. all three women are thrilled with the results.

“This has offered me hope when I thought there was no hope. I participated in this educational event to help get the word out so that other women can improve their quality of life like I am enjoying now,” said Gail. After only one week of Dr. Pugach implanting her InterStim® device, Gail reported an immediate and dramatic relief of her symptoms. ”I have control for the first time in 20 years!” 

One in six adults in the United States suffers from bladder control issues. there are different symptoms for bladder control problems, and treatment options are available that can help. call 888.735.4336 for more information.

About Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center, led by Dr. Robert Pugach, is one of the leading medical practices in the US specializing in the minimally invasive treatment of urological conditions, including procedures to successfully treat overactive bladder. pacificcoasturology.com

The events were co-sponsored by Medtronic in partnership with Accidental Sisterhood and the Women’s Health Foundation. facingourmomentstogether.com