Can Diastasis Recti cause bladder and testicular pain in people that work out daily?

Question

I have been diagnosed with Diastasis Recti. I constantly get pain in my bladder and testicles and also need to urinate a lot. I work out at the gym daily. Would Diastasis Recti cause these kind of symptoms and can it be fixed. I have seen a Urologist and that was all clear. So I am hoping somebody can help?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding can diastasis of the rectus abdominis (or diastasis recti) cause bladder and testicular pain in people who work out daily.  Rectus diastasis is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscle.  The rectus abdominis is a paired muscle structure that connects the bottom of your sternum and rib cage to your pubic bone.  When the rectus abdominis muscle is flexed, it allows you to sit up.  There is naturally a small gap between these two parallel muscles.  Sometimes, due to weight gain, weight loss, or pregnancy, these muscles can become separated.  The separation of the rectus abdominal muscle is called rectus diastasis or diastasis recti.  Rectus diastasis or rectus muscle separation does not cause bladder or testicular pain.  Therefore, most plastic surgeons would agree that your bladder and testicular pain are due to something else besides rectus diastasis.  The correction of rectus diastasis involves suturing the outer borders of the rectus abdominis to each other from the sternum to the pubic region.  This surgical technique involves tightening these muscles and minimizing the separation between the muscles.  Surgical correction of diastasis can lead to an increase in peritoneal pressure.  Interestingly, the increase in peritoneal pressure can lead to bladder pain, a decrease in bladder storage volume, and increased urinary urgency.  Testicular pain is rare after rectus diastasis correction.  However, it can occur when the nerve is pinched, or the inguinal canal is tightened too much.  Therefore, it is not the rectus diastasis that causes bladder or testicular pain, but rather the surgical correction of rectus diastasis that can lead to bladder in testicular pain.  Therefore, most plastic surgeons recommend you seek more workup for your bladder and testicular pain.  Consider consulting a primary care physician, an internal medicine specialist, a spine surgeon, or a neurologist for referred nerve pain.  Good luck.  I hope I have answered your question regarding can diastasis of the rectus abdominis (or diastasis recti) can cause bladder and testicular pain in people who work out daily. 
Sincerely, Dr.  Katzen, MD, MBA (Aesthetic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon),  President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Jeffrey Ridha, MD · Answer

It is very unlikely that diastasis of the rectus muscles should cause pain in the bladder and testicles.  In fact, one would be more likely to feel pressure on the bladder from an overzealous repair of diastasis than from the presence of diastasis.  while it is good news that the urologist has found no significant problem, a visit to your internist would likely be the next best step for a full workup.  Best wishes.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Sorry to hear that you are so uncomfortable.  I would agree with my colleague that your symptoms are unlikely to be attributed to the diastasis.  Unfortunately, those symptoms are very non specific.  I would encourage you to start by visiting with your internist for a history and physical exam.  You likely will require some imaging and possibly lab tests to sort this out.  Best of luck.

Pravin Reddy, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.
Diastasis recti is simply separation of the rectus muscles from there normal attachment in the middle by stretching.  Its is not to be confused with a hernia.  I have to wonder how you were diagnosed with diastasis recti and how this was properly distinguished from a hernia.
Diastasis recti is usually asymptomatic and I have never seen a case associated with bladder or testicular pain.  On the other hand -- these symptoms may be associated with inguinal hernias.  
I would recommend seeking consultation with a General Surgeon to determine the source of your pain.  Your urologist is quite capable of diagnosing an inguinal hernia.
I hope this helps.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your doubts with us.  There's no relation of the diastasis recti and the symptoms you're referring. You'll have to see a urologist for a correct treatment. 
Have a great day,  Best of Luck. 
Dr. Derby Sang Caputo, MD. Plastic Surgeon / Dominican Republic

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Can Diastasis Recti cause bladder and testicular pain in people that work out daily?

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