Trigonitis

(Pseudomembranous trigonitis)

Tri-gon-eye-tiss

Definition

Definition

The trigone is a triangular area in the lower bladder. Trigonitis is inflammation of this area.

The Bladder

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Causes

It is not clear why these cells change in some people and not others, but the change may be stimulated by:

  • Bladder irritation
  • Urinary tract infections

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

Trigonitis is more common in women and people who have had a catheter in place for a long period of time.

Symptoms

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Difficulty urinating
  • An increase in the urge to urinate

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:

  • Urine tests
  • Urine culture
  • Blood tests

Treatment

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. In some cases, trigonitis may not need to be treated and will resolve on its own.

Medications

You may be advised to take antibiotics to treat infection. Your sexual partner may also be advised to take antibiotics to prevent trigonitis from returning.

Prevention

Prevention

If you have a catheter, talk to your doctor about how long it should be in place. Long-term use may result in trigonitis.

RESOURCES:

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org

Urology Care Foundation http://www.urologyhealth.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Urological Association http://www.cua.org

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

References:

Cheung WW, Kawa S. Trigonitis. Medscape website. Available at:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/438185-overview
Accessed June 27, 2014.

Stavropoulos M, Papatsoris AG, et al. Pseudomembranous trigonitis: a common but underrecognized urological entity. Adv Urol. 2010;2010:269254.

Last reviewed September 2015 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Last Updated: 9/5/2014

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.