The tube that drains urine from the bladder is known as the urethra. The urethra is a lengthy tube that runs through the penis in men. It is shorter and placed inside the pelvis in women.
The pain in the urethra might be subtle or intense, and it can be continual or intermittent. Acute pain is pain that begins suddenly. Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for an extended period.
Causes and Treatments of Urethra Pain
There are many potential causes of urethra pain, ranging from infections to injuries. In some cases, the exact cause may be difficult to determine.
Infections
STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can both cause urethra pain in women. Urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra, can also be caused by infections. In men, prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland, can cause urethra pain.
Injuries To The Urethra
Catheterization, a procedure in which a tube is inserted into the urethra to allow for drainage, can sometimes irritate. Surgery on the urethra or surrounding structures can also lead to pain.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the bladder. Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. This can cause pain and cramping during menstruation, as well as pelvic pain and pressure at other times.
Other Causes:
- Kidney or bladder stones can cause obstruction, stricture, or constriction of the urine outlet flow tract.
- Vaginal atrophy or postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis
- Urinary tract carcinoma is a type of cancer that affects the urinary tract
- Chemotherapy
- Contraceptive gels
- Radiation exposure
- Scented or harsh soaps
- Sexual activity
- Bubble baths
- Douches or feminine hygiene products
- Condoms
- An injury due to a blow to the pelvic area
Symptoms Associated With Urethral Pain
The following are some of the symptoms that might accompany urethral pain:
- Itching and a lack of capacity to urinate
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Urgent desire to urinate
- Urine with blood in it or sperm with blood in it
- Atypical discharge
- Odd vaginal discharge
- High temperature
- Chills
If you have one or more of these symptoms, as well as pain in your urethra, get medical help.
Diagnosis
A range of diagnostic tests may be ordered by your doctor. When a doctor makes an appropriate diagnosis and treats the underlying cause, the pain is usually relieved.
They’ll need to palpate or feel, your abdomen for soreness during the exam. A pelvic exam may be required if you’re a woman. A urinalysis and urine culture are likely to be ordered by your doctor.
Additional testing and imaging examinations may be ordered by your doctor based on your symptoms and the results of your physical exam. They are as follows:
- X-rays
- Bladder ultrasound and
- kidney cystoscopy
- radionuclide scan
- MRI scan
- Sexually transmitted illness tests
- voiding cystourethrogram
- urodynamic test
Treatment
Urethra pain can often be treated with home care measures such as taking over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding irritants such as soap and perfumes. If an infection is a cause, antibiotics may be necessary. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct an underlying problem.
Other drugs to consider are:
- Anti-inflammatories
- Alpha-blockers to relax muscle tone
- Antispasmodics to treat bladder muscle spasms
If an irritant is the source of your pain, your doctor will probably advise you to avoid it in the future.
A urethral stricture, commonly known as a constriction of the urethra, can be treated effectively with surgery. Pain alleviation is usually achieved by treating the underlying cause.
