Urethral Syndrome

Urethral Syndrome is the ongoing symptoms of urethritis, without any evidence of bacterial or viral infection as a cause. Urethritis is an inflammation, infection, or irritation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder.

Causes

Because there is no evidence of infection, the cause of urethral syndrome is often difficult to pinpoint. Possible causes include:
  • Undetected bacterial or viral infection of the urethra
  • Irritation of the urethra, caused by:
    • Radiation exposure
    • Chemotherapy
    • Spermicidal jellies used during sexual intercourse
    • Bubble baths
    • Harsh soaps
    • Scents or perfumes
    • Sexual intercourse (especially in women)
  • Specifically in women, irritation of the urethra caused by:
    • Feminine hygiene sprays or douches
    • Sanitary napkins
  • Structural problems, such as narrowing of the urethra
  • Injury to the urethra caused by a blow to the pelvic area

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.
  • Sex: Female
  • Factors that may lead to an undetected infection:
    • Poor personal hygiene
    • Multiple sex partners
    • Unprotected sex (without use of a condom)
    • History of sexually transmitted disease
    • Bacterial infection of other parts of the urinary tract (bladder kidney)
    • Medications that lower resistance to bacterial infection

Symptoms

The symptoms of urethral syndrome are similar to those of urethritis. Symptoms may include:
  • Pain and/or burning while urinating
  • Difficulty urinating (especially after intercourse)
  • Increase in urinary:
    • Frequency
    • Urgency
  • Swelling and/or tenderness in the groin
  • Pain during intercourse
  • In men:
    • Discharge from penis
    • Blood in semen
    • Pain during ejaculation
    • Swollen and/or tender testicles

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Urethral syndrome is usually diagnosed when symptoms of urethritis are present, but there is no evidence of an infection as the cause.
Tests may include:
  • Urine tests or urethral swab tests for lab study
  • Tests for sexually transmitted diseases
  • Cystoscopy and/or urethroscopy – use of a thin, lighted tube to examine the inside of the bladder and/or urethra

Treatment

Treatment may include:
Medication
  • Antibiotics – given if your doctor thinks urethral syndrome may be due to an undetected infection
  • Phenazopyridine – can help ease discomfort while urinating
Avoidance of Irritants
You ll be asked to avoid irritants that may cause urethral syndrome. Then, wait and see if your condition improves.
Surgery
Surgery is only done in rare cases. For example, if narrowing of the urethra is thought to be causing the urethral syndrome.

Prevention

Measures that may help prevent Urethral Syndrome include:
  • Avoiding the use of:
    • Spermicidal jellies
    • Bubble baths
    • Harsh soaps
    • Scents or perfumes
    • Feminine hygiene sprays and douches
  • Using good personal hygiene
  • Practicing safe sex, including using condoms
  • Practicing sexual monogamy, which is having sex with only one partner who has sex only with you
  • Limiting the number of sexual partners
  • Urinating immediately after having sexual intercourse
  • Making sure any and all sexually transmitted diseases are treated quickly and completely in both oneself and all sexual partners
  • Regularly drinking plenty of fluids