A health condition that causes irritation of the urethra is called urethral syndrome. Physicians do not know the exact cause of this syndrome, but they think hormonal imbalances, urethral injuries, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) could play a role. People who experience this condition may notice the following symptoms. For example, frequent and painful urination and little or no urine. Doctors usually treat this condition with medicines and relaxation techniques. In most cases, the symptoms decrease over time, which makes it possible to live with this condition all life.
The urethra is a tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body. It carries urine and semen out of the body. Sometimes, this syndrome is called in different ways. Check below other names of this condition:
- Abacterial cystitis
- Frequency-dysuria syndrome
- Symptomatic abacteriuria
- Urethral pain syndrome (UPS)
This condition usually causes symptoms similar to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urethritis. In general, there are a lot of factors that cause urethral syndrome, which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Furthermore, approximately 25% of people who see a healthcare professional with symptoms in the lower urinary tract have this syndrome.
Symptoms
Usually, people with this syndrome experience the following symptoms. For example:
- Blood in the urine (also known as hematuria)
- Urinary retention (urinating problems)
- Frequent urination
- Dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse)
- Dysuria (pain during urination)
- Pain in the lower back or abdomen (belly) or genitals
- Pressure in the abdomen
- Nocturia (need to urine during nighttime)
- Discomfort in the vulvar area (vulvitis or vulvodynia)
However, this syndrome may cause additional symptoms in males. For example:
- Swollen testicles (also called scrotal swelling)
- Painful ejaculation
- Urethral discharge
- Hematospermia (blood in the semen)
If you experience any of the previous symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare professional.
Risk Factors
While experts do not know the exact cause of urethral syndrome, they know that a bacterial or viral infection cannot cause it. Check below some factors that could increase the risk of developing urethral syndrome:
- Posterior urethral stenosis or urethral stricture in men (narrowing of the urethra)
- Irritation of the urethra
- Hormonal imbalances (including low levels of Estrogen)
- Injuries or trauma to the urethra
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs or STIs)
- Spasms
- Stress
- Certain medicines (such as immunosuppressants)
Check below some ways in which the urethra gets injured:
- The use of a diaphragm or tampon
- Bike riding
- Rough sexual activity
Furthermore, there are some things that may cause additional irritation to the urethra. These include:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Spicy foods
- Cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy)
- Condoms and contraceptive gels (such as lubrication with spermicide)
- Scented products (including bubble baths, perfumes, and soaps)
Complications
Those who develop this syndrome may also experience some complications, especially if they have moderate to severe symptoms and do not get treatment. Check below some examples:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Pelvic floor dysfunction that may worsen certain symptoms such as urinary incontinence
- Psychological problems (such as anxiety, frustration, or depression)
- Sexual dysfunction (including dyspareunia)
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia)
- Urethral stricture
- Reactive arthritis
- Prostatitis
- Pregnancy complications
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Infertility
- Urethritis
This article does not contain a complete list of complications of urethral syndrome. However, you can consult with your doctor about ways to reduce the risk or prevent complications of this disease.
How to Prevent Urethral Syndrome?
Check below some tips that may help reduce the risk of this condition:
- Do not use scented soaps and detergents
- Get treatment for STIs
- Urinate as soon as you can after sexual intercourse
- Practice safe sex
- Wear underwear produced from cotton instead of nylon, and pants that are not too tight
- Wipe the genitals from front to back after urinating
Diagnosis
Doctors usually begin the diagnosis of urethral syndrome with a physical examination and questions about the symptoms and medical history. They may also perform some tests to confirm the condition and rule out others that cause similar symptoms. These include bladder or cervical cancer, painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis), STIs, urethritis, or UTIs. Check below some tests:
- Urinalysis and urine culture – These tests are used to check for UTIs and look for bacteria or yeast.
- Cystoscopy – This test is used to examine the inside of the urethra and bladder.
- Bacterial vaginosis test – Usually, doctors perform this test to rule out bacterial vaginosis.
- Pap smear – Physicians often perform this test to exclude cervical cancer.
- Urine cytology (to exclude bladder cancer)
- Vaginal swabs (to rule out fungal infections and STIs)
- Bladder, kidney, or pelvic ultrasound – This imaging test is used to exclude cysts, tumors, and other health conditions.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the pelvis – This is another imaging test that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to rule out interstitial cystitis. However, it can be used to diagnose or exclude other health conditions as well.
Treatment
Commonly, it is not possible to cure this condition. That’s why the treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms and preventing serious complications. Check below some treatments often recommended for people with urethral syndrome:
- Biofeedback – It helps your pelvic area relax.
- Medicines – Physicians may recommend some medicines to improve blood flow and reduce pain.
- Meditation or hypnotherapy – These procedures are often used to reduce stress.
- Surgery – In severe cases, doctors recommend this treatment option to widen the urethra.
Lifestyle Changes
The following lifestyle changes may help reduce irritation of the urethra. For example:
- Avoid highly acidic foods
- Try to engage in activities such as yoga and tai chi
- Add to your diet plenty of dairy products, fruits, and vegetables
- Hydration (drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration)
- Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages
- Manage stress
- Choose unscented detergents and soaps
Frequently Asked Questions
Who might have a urethral syndrome?
While anyone may develop this syndrome, women are more likely to develop it, especially between the ages of 30 to 50.
What is the difference between urethral syndrome and urethritis?
The difference between these conditions is that urethritis happens due to bacterial or viral infections, while urethral syndrome may happen without an infection.
How long does urethral irritation last?
This irritation lasts differently among people because it depends on the exact cause. While in some cases, it lasts a few days, other people may develop a long-term (chronic) form of the condition, which may last up to several months. Ask your healthcare professional if you have additional questions.
