Suspected chronic urethritis or prostatitis, medication issues?
On January 29 (the fifth day of the Lunar New Year), I soaked in a hot spring in the afternoon.
Later that night, I had to drive and experienced urgent frequent urination.
On January 30, I felt pain during urination, but there were no visible issues.
On February 1, I visited a clinic where a urine test was conducted.
The doctor indicated a bacterial infection and prescribed a three-day course of antibiotics, including phenazopyridine.
After three days, I returned for a follow-up and received a six-day prescription.
My condition improved, but I still experienced pain during urination in the morning, while urination at other times was mostly painless.
However, I felt pain when sitting down to have a bowel movement, and there was discomfort when pressing on the mid-urethra.
On February 1, I went to Hospital A for further evaluation.
The urine test results were normal, and the doctor prescribed one antibiotic and one anti-inflammatory medication.
My symptoms remained the same, with pain during morning urination and tenderness in the mid-urethra.
On February 20, I returned to Hospital A for a follow-up, where a bacterial culture was performed.
A week later, the report showed only 1,000 E.
coli, and the doctor prescribed another week of antibiotics.
On February 28, I injured myself while hiking and did not have time to get a tetanus shot.
On March 2, I visited a family clinic for the wound.
I did not receive a tetanus shot, as the doctor advised it should be administered within 24 hours.
The clinic prescribed the same black antibiotic, and the doctor said I could stop taking the medication prescribed by Hospital A and just take the one from the clinic.
On March 5, I returned to Hospital A for a follow-up.
The doctor suggested that my symptoms might be due to work-related stress and prescribed some relaxants.
My condition persisted, so I sought treatment from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, who believed that my symptoms were due to urinary retention and straining during urination.
However, the herbal treatment was ineffective.
From then until April 29, I continued to experience mild pain during the first morning urination, slight pain when sitting to urinate, and occasional urethral tenderness, but otherwise felt fine.
On April 29, after staying up late, I noticed itching at the tip of my penis on April 30, along with redness and swelling around the urethral opening.
Upon inspection, I saw redness and slight white discharge inside the urethra, and in the morning, I found some clear, dried discharge at the urethral opening.
On May 1, I rushed to the clinic for an examination.
A urine test was conducted again, and I inquired about the meaning of the color changes in the test strips, which indicated: 1.
Nitrite reaction 2.
White blood cells 3.
Urinary protein.
The doctor suspected a bacterial infection and prescribed medication, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
From May 1 to 2, after taking the medication, the redness and swelling at the urethral opening decreased, and my condition improved.
On May 3, I felt pain when touching or pressing the urethral opening, but there was no discharge, and the tip appeared slightly red.
On May 4, the tenderness at the urethral opening was more pronounced than the previous day, and I noticed white discharge again.
I felt occasional feverish sensations, and there was slight redness around the urethral opening.
On May 5, I woke up to find clear discharge from the tip of my penis, which stuck to my underwear, and the area around the urethral opening was redder than the day before.
Although I initially felt some improvement with the antibiotics, my condition worsened with continued use.
The medications included CEFFIXIME, VIBRAMYCIN, PHENAZOPYRIDINE, and ACETAL.
On May 5, I went to the largest hospital in Linkou for a bacterial culture, and I was scheduled to return on May 13.
The doctor was concerned that I might develop chronic urethritis or prostatitis and prescribed a five-day course of CIPROFLOXACIN 250 mg, to be taken twice a day, totaling 20 pills, intended to be taken from May 5 to May 9.
During the period from May 5 to May 7, I mistakenly took only one pill instead of two due to misreading the instructions.
On the night of May 7, I realized I had a lot of medication left.
I took the missed dose, which meant I had taken 250 mg five times and 500 mg once, leaving me with 13 pills of 250 mg.
I could still take the remaining medication according to the prescribed dosage for 6.5 times, with the last dose expected to be taken on the night of May 10 or May 11.
However, I would not return for a follow-up until the morning of May 13, and I was concerned about insufficient treatment duration leading to antibiotic resistance.
I would like to ask the doctor how I should take the remaining medication and whether I should return early for a follow-up or wait for the scheduled appointment.
During the period from May 5 to May 7, while taking the 250 mg medication, the redness, swelling, and tenderness of the urethra continued, but I felt a gradual improvement.
After taking the full 500 mg dose on the night of May 7, on the morning of May 8, I noticed no discharge from the tip of my penis, and upon inspection, there was no white discharge, and I did not experience tenderness.
However, after urination, the tip of my penis still felt slightly moist and shiny, and I continued to feel discomfort deep inside during urination.
Thank you for your assistance, and I appreciate your guidance.
Roro, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/08
Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Based on general experience, this medication works well.
There was a previous instance of taking a lower dose, but after resuming the normal dosage, completing the medication is sufficient.
Please return for a follow-up appointment when the time comes.
If all the medication has been taken and symptoms or discharge persist, a follow-up visit is recommended.
In the meantime, it is important to pay attention to your lifestyle: maintain a light diet, avoid alcohol and spicy foods, drink plenty of water, engage in gentle exercise, avoid prolonged sitting, practice safe sex, and do not overdo DIY activities.
Take care.
Wishing you good health.
Reply Date: 2020/05/08
More Info
Managing chronic urethritis or prostatitis can be a complex and frustrating journey for many patients. Your detailed account of symptoms and treatments highlights the challenges faced in diagnosing and managing these conditions. Here’s a comprehensive response to your concerns, along with some medical insights.
Understanding Your Condition
Chronic urethritis and prostatitis can stem from various causes, including bacterial infections, non-bacterial factors, or even psychological stress. Your symptoms, such as pain during urination, discomfort in the urethra, and the presence of discharge, suggest an ongoing inflammatory process. The fact that you have experienced recurrent symptoms despite antibiotic treatment indicates that there may be underlying factors contributing to your condition.
Antibiotic Treatment
1. Antibiotic Adherence: It’s crucial to follow the prescribed antibiotic regimen closely. In your case, it seems you missed some doses of ciprofloxacin, which could potentially lead to inadequate treatment and the development of antibiotic resistance. Given that you have a remaining supply of the medication, it is advisable to complete the course as directed by your physician. If you have already taken a portion of the medication, continue with the remaining doses to ensure that the infection is adequately treated.
2. Consultation with Your Doctor: Since you are concerned about the possibility of developing antibiotic resistance, it would be wise to contact your healthcare provider. They may recommend an earlier follow-up appointment to assess your progress and possibly adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
Symptom Management
1. Pain Relief: Managing pain is a critical aspect of treatment. You mentioned using phenazopyridine, which can help alleviate urinary discomfort. However, it’s essential to be cautious with over-the-counter pain relievers, especially if you are taking multiple medications. Combining different pain medications can lead to adverse effects, particularly on the liver and kidneys.
2. Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact your symptoms. Staying hydrated, avoiding irritants such as caffeine and alcohol, and practicing stress management techniques can help reduce flare-ups. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can also contribute to overall well-being.
Follow-Up Care
1. Regular Monitoring: Chronic conditions like urethritis and prostatitis often require ongoing monitoring. Regular check-ups with your urologist can help track your symptoms and adjust treatment as needed. If your symptoms persist or worsen, further diagnostic tests may be warranted, including imaging studies or additional cultures to identify any resistant bacteria.
2. Consider Alternative Therapies: If conventional treatments are not effective, some patients find relief through alternative therapies such as pelvic floor physical therapy, acupuncture, or dietary supplements. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to determine what might be appropriate for your situation.
Conclusion
Your journey with chronic urethritis or prostatitis is undoubtedly challenging, but with careful management and regular communication with your healthcare provider, it is possible to find relief. Ensure you complete your antibiotic course, maintain follow-up appointments, and consider lifestyle changes that may alleviate your symptoms. Remember, you are not alone in this, and many patients face similar struggles. Seeking support from healthcare professionals and possibly connecting with support groups can also provide valuable resources and encouragement.
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