Urethritis issues?
Hello, Doctor: I am the person who consulted you a few days ago regarding urethritis.
After my follow-up visit, the physician still believes that the urethritis has not healed and that I need to continue medication.
I would like to ask you: 1.
I have been taking antibiotics for two weeks without improvement, and I am now preparing to start the third week of medication.
Is the treatment course for urethritis typically this long? 2.
Regarding the antibiotics I have taken, the municipal hospital where I consulted prescribed Doxycycline for the first week.
After a week with no apparent improvement, the medication was switched to Ceflour, after which my symptoms improved.
I am currently still taking Ceflour; is it safe to take this antibiotic for an extended period? 3.
My current symptoms include slight discomfort and mild pain when walking (especially after using the restroom or when wearing tighter pants).
I have observed that the discomfort seems to be caused by friction between the urethral opening and my pants, but I do not experience this discomfort while resting.
My urination is relatively smooth, and I do not have frequent urination, burning sensations, or hematuria.
However, sometimes I feel slight pain when touching the penis after using the restroom.
I would like to ask if this condition still indicates inflammation.
Thank you, Doctor, for your assistance!
Wissenschaft, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/09
Dr. Sun Hongshun reply Urology
Hello, the treatment for urethritis does require some time and patience.
The use of antibiotics is the definitive treatment method.
It is recommended that in addition to taking your medication regularly, you should continue to follow up with your healthcare provider.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Reply Date: 2018/11/09
More Info
Understanding prolonged urethritis and its treatment can be quite complex, especially when symptoms persist despite antibiotic therapy. Let's address your questions one by one, while also providing some additional context regarding urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urethritis.
1. Duration of Antibiotic Treatment: It is not uncommon for some cases of urethritis to require extended treatment, especially if the initial antibiotic chosen was not effective against the specific bacteria causing the infection. Generally, a standard course of antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs or urethritis lasts about 7 to 14 days. However, if symptoms persist after two weeks of treatment, it may indicate that the bacteria are resistant to the antibiotic being used, or that there may be another underlying issue. In such cases, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation, which may include urine cultures to identify the specific bacteria and their sensitivities to antibiotics.
2. Use of Ceflour: Ceflour (Cefuroxime) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can be effective against a variety of bacteria. While it is generally safe to use for extended periods, prolonged use of any antibiotic can lead to side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances and the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. If you have been on Ceflour for an extended period and are still experiencing symptoms, it is essential to communicate this to your healthcare provider. They may consider switching to a different antibiotic or conducting further tests to ensure that there are no other underlying conditions contributing to your symptoms.
3. Current Symptoms and Inflammation: The discomfort you are experiencing, particularly after urination or when walking, could be related to irritation of the urethra or surrounding tissues rather than an active infection. The fact that you do not have symptoms such as frequent urination, burning during urination, or blood in your urine is a positive sign. However, the mild pain you feel when touching the area could still indicate some residual inflammation or irritation. It is not uncommon for symptoms to linger even after the infection has been treated, especially if there has been significant irritation or inflammation of the urethra.
In summary, while it is possible for urethritis treatment to extend beyond the typical duration, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. They may recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as a urine culture or imaging studies, to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. Additionally, lifestyle modifications, such as increasing fluid intake, avoiding irritants (like certain soaps or hygiene products), and wearing loose-fitting clothing, may help alleviate discomfort.
If you continue to experience symptoms or have concerns about the effectiveness of your treatment, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or consult a urologist for specialized care. Your health and comfort are paramount, and there are various options available to help manage and treat your condition effectively.
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