Diverticulitis - symptoms, causes and special features in women

Diverticulitis causes abdominal pain, digestive problems and fever. Find out why women are more frequently affected and how diet and gut health can help.

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Diverticulitis causes abdominal pain, digestive problems and fever. Find out why women are more frequently affected and how diet and gut health can help.

Diverticulitis is an inflammatory disease of the intestine in which diverticula - small protrusions in the intestinal wall - become inflamed or infected. It mainly occurs in the colon, particularly in the left lower abdomen. The disease is widespread in Western countries and mainly affects people over the age of 50. Women are particularly susceptible to a complicated form of diverticulitis at an older age.

Symptoms of diverticulitis

The symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:

Sudden or persistent pain in the lower left abdomen
Digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhoea
Bloating and abdominal cramps
Fever, nausea and general feeling of illness
Blood in the stool, especially with severe inflammation

Diverticulitis in women - special aspects

Higher risk of recurrent inflammation: Women, especially after the menopause, have altered intestinal flora and intestinal motility due to hormonal changes. This can increase the risk of chronic or recurrent diverticulitis.
Risk of confusion with gynaecological complaints: The symptoms, especially lower abdominal pain, bloating and cramps, may be similar to those of endometriosis, ovarian cysts or menstrual cramps.
Hormonal factors: Oestrogen can have a protective effect on intestinal health, which is why the risk of diverticulitis may increase after the menopause.

Causes and risk factors

The main risk factors include:

Diet low in fibre (few vegetables, fruit, wholemeal products)
Intestinal sluggishness and constipation
Obesity and lack of exercise
Chronic stress and pro-inflammatory diet
Long-term use of NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen), which can damage the intestinal mucosa

Treatment and prevention

Acute diverticulitis can be mild, but in severe cases it may require antibiotics or even surgery. The following measures are helpful for prevention and treatment:

Fibre-rich diet: More vegetables, pulses and wholegrain products aid digestion.
Adequate fluid intake: Water and herbal teas support healthy bowel function.
Regular exercise: Promotes intestinal peristalsis and reduces constipation.
Probiotics and gut-friendly foods: Support healthy gut flora.
Stress management: Yoga, meditation or breathing exercises can reduce intestinal cramps.

Women should pay particular attention to a balanced diet, stable intestinal flora and a regular digestive cycle to prevent diverticulitis.

Literature references:

Strate, L. L. et al. (2012). ""Diverticular Disease as a Chronic Illness: Evolving Epidemiologic and Clinical Insights."" American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Tursi, A. et al. (2015). ""The Pathophysiology of Diverticular Disease: A Brief Overview."" Digestive Diseases.
Barbara, G. et al. (2017). ""Gut Microbiota and Inflammation in Diverticular Disease: Implications for Pathophysiology and Treatment."" Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology.