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.”

EMBARRASSMENT has been shown to increase the risk of gynaecological cancers because women put off visiting a doctor when they suspect symptoms.

Recent research has revealed the reluctance but as March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Grove House is encouraging all women to break down the wall of embarrassment surrounding gynaecological cancers and discuss their fears.

Almost 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK every year and the majority of cases occur in women over 50 but younger women can also contract the disease. Ovarian Cancer can sometimes be difficult to diagnose as some of the symptoms are similar to those seen in more common conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Many women mistakenly believe that cervical screening tests – sometimes known as smear tests – can help detect ovarian cancer. they cannot.

Typical symptoms of ovarian cancer to look out for are:

• Persistent pelvic and stomach pain;

• Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes;

• Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly.

Occasionally other symptoms such as urinary symptoms, changes in bowel habit, extreme fatigue or back pain may also be experienced.

Joan Follett, nursing services manager at Grove House, said: “It is vital that women come forward and discuss their symptoms or worries about gynaecological cancers. Early diagnosis can significantly reduce risk, survival rates can be as high as 90 per cent for women diagnosed with early stage ovarian cancer.”

She explained: “Here at Grove House we can support women with ovarian cancer from diagnosis and throughout illness. Counselling is available as well as access to complementary therapies such as massage and reiki. Practical support can be given on a weekly basis by coming to the day hospice. Support at Grove House is not prescriptive, but tailored to individual needs.”

Sue was originally diagnosed with the disease in 2004 and went through several months of treatment. she used Grove House to help her stay strong and positive, throughout. Sue said of her experience: “I would certainly recommend anyone with ovarian cancer to give Grove House a call. they have time to talk; they can provide up-to-date and relevant information, not just about the disease itself but also about the help that is available. Getting out and staying positive is important and there is always something going on at the hospice. I found the yoga classes particularly helpful.”

If you are worried about cancer phone 01727 731000 or visit grove-house.org.uk