- Condition that affects the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body)
- Inflamed/irritated urethra
- Most common in women
- Physical problems with the urethra such as abnormal narrowing, urethral irritation or injury
- The urethra can be irritated by:
- Scented products (perfumes, soaps, bubble bath and sanitary napkins)
- Spermicidal jellies
- Certain foods and drinks containing caffeine
- Chemotherapy and radiation
- The urethra can be injured by:
- Sexual activity
- Diaphragm use
- Tampon use
- Bike riding
- Increased risk of developing urethral syndrome if you:
- Are prone to bacterial bladder/kidney infections
- Take certain medications
- Have sex without a condom
- Have an STI
- Pain with urination
- Lower abdominal pain/pressure
- Urinary urgency
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary difficulty
- Pain during sex
- Blood in the urine
- Bladder not feeling empty after urinating
- Swelling of the testicles (men)
- Pain while ejaculating (men)
- Blood in the semen/urine (men)
- Discomfort in the vulvar area (women)
- Medical history review and symptom evaluation
- Physical exam including the genitals, abdomen and rectum
- Urine sample: To rule out bacterial infection
- Urethroscopy: To see the inside of the urethra
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Lifestyle changes: Refrain from using products, eating/drinking food and beverages or doing activities that can irritate the urethra
- Medications
- Anesthetics: Phenazopyridine, Lidocaine
- Antispasmodics: Hyoscyamine, Oxybutynin
- Tricyclic Antidepressants: Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline
- Act on your nerves to help relieve chronic pain
- Alpha-blockers: Doxazosin, Prazosin
- Improve blood flow by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels
- Dilation/Surgery: To widen your urethra if the syndrome is due to constriction
