Urethral Syndrome

Men seem to get a break when it comes to Urethral Syndrome, which can effect both men and women but it is fairly rare in men.  What exactly is Urethral (yoo-ree-thruhl) Syndrome and how do you know if you have it? If you are experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection but tests of your urine don’t indicate bacteria, then your physician might diagnosis you with Urethral Syndrome.

Urethral Syndrome Symptoms

Urethral syndrome symptoms are include:

• Pain with sexual activity.
• Feeling pressure in the lower abdomen that doesn’t subside after you urinate.
• Pain around the vulvar area.
• Painful urination.
• Frequent urination.
• Discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen.

How Does One Get Urethral Syndrome?

It is unknown regarding how urethral syndrome develops and physicians often believe the urethra (yoo-ree-thruh) may be irritated by sexual activity, soaps, spermicides or antiseptic creams or dyes, perfumes and feminine hygiene products such as tampons and pads.

Can You Self Diagnose Urethral Syndrome?

The answer is no. Only a qualified health care provider can diagnose you after receiving your health history, your current urethral syndrome symptoms, a urine test and possibly a blood test as well.

What Is the Treatment for Urethral Syndrome?

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Getting the most from doctor visits If your physician does not find an infection, then reducing discomfort of symptoms is a good strategy. Avoid irritating products, such as perfumed soaps, soaps with dyes and spermicides. Focus on good personal hygiene. Increase your fluids, especially cranberry juice. Your physician might prescribe Pyridium, which relieves pains and burning associated with urinary tract infections and other urinary discomforts including urethral syndrome. Pyridium can change your urine color to an orange or reddish color and will stain clothing. As with all medications, tell your physician if you have kidney, or liver disease, diabetes or any other health condition. Pyridium is known over the counter (OTC) as Azo®. OTC means you can purchase the medication at your local drugstore without a prescription. Your doctor might also prescribe an antibiotic for your urethral syndrome treatment if you have a low bacteria count that is not large enough to be deemed an infection. If sexual activity worsens symptoms, then your physician might prescribe a pain reliever or you many need to avoid having sex until your symptoms have subsided. If inflammation is severe, your physician might need to give you a steroid shot.

How Long With Urethral Syndrome Last?

If you follow your physician’s recommendations for urethral syndrome treatment, within one or two weeks and the urethral syndrome symptoms do not improve, call your physician. Sometimes a cystoscopy is required, which is using a thin telescope used to look closer at the urethra and bladder to help your physician better understand what it taking place in your body. If you have a urethral syndrome, then you might get a urinary tract infection too. Be sure to call your physician if any new symptoms arise, such as fever, blood in your urine, etc.

What Can I Do Now?

Focus on improving your self care by wearing cotton underwear, avoiding tight clothing, control top pantyhose or regular use of Spanx® and other slimming/tight under garments. If you wear pantyhose, choose brands with a cotton crotch. Avoid bubble baths and soaps with perfumes or irritants. Keep your genital area clean and use water only instead of soap and water. Don’t use tampons or pads with perfumes or added scents. If sexual positions are irritating, then avoid them. Urinate before and after sex. If you ride bicycles, opt for shorter rides.