Urethral Swelling: When to Seek Further Medical Attention

Urethral meatus swelling

Hello doctor, on November 25th, I had unprotected oral sex and noticed some abnormalities on the glans, but no other issues.
Concerned about infection, I visited a doctor two weeks ago.
The examination was very brief, and the doctor felt it wasn't serious.
They diagnosed it as mild balanitis and prescribed a topical cream.
However, the symptoms have not improved.
Please see the image at https://ibb.co/yYbWSzd.
Do I need to schedule a follow-up appointment, or should I just keep it clean and continue using the cream until it heals?

Xiao Hu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/19

Dr. Li Minghui reply Urology

The photo is not very clear, and it's difficult to identify any abnormalities.
If the condition is severe or persists, an in-person examination may be necessary.

Reply Date: 2020/12/19

More Info

Urethral swelling and associated symptoms can be concerning, especially following potential exposure to infections. In your case, it appears that you experienced some discomfort after engaging in unprotected oral sex, which led to a diagnosis of balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis). While your doctor initially assessed the situation as not serious and prescribed a topical treatment (likely a corticosteroid or antifungal cream), the persistence of your symptoms warrants further attention.

When to Seek Further Medical Attention
1. Persistent Symptoms: If symptoms such as swelling, redness, or discomfort continue despite treatment, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider. This could indicate that the initial treatment was insufficient or that there is an underlying condition that needs to be addressed.

2. Worsening Condition: If you notice any worsening of symptoms, such as increased swelling, pain, discharge, or fever, you should seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of a more serious infection or condition.

3. Signs of Infection: Symptoms such as pus-like discharge, severe pain, or systemic symptoms (fever, chills) could indicate a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infection (STI). In such cases, prompt evaluation and treatment are essential.

4. Allergic Reactions: If you experience any new symptoms after starting the topical treatment, such as increased redness, itching, or swelling, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction to the medication. Discontinuing the medication and consulting your doctor would be advisable.

5. Sexual Health Concerns: Given your history of unprotected sexual activity, it may also be prudent to get tested for STIs, even if you do not have overt symptoms. Some infections can be asymptomatic but still require treatment.

Additional Considerations
- Hygiene Practices: Maintaining proper hygiene is essential. Ensure that the area is kept clean and dry, as moisture can exacerbate inflammation and irritation. Avoid using harsh soaps or irritants in the genital area.

- Follow-Up Care: If you decide to wait and see if the symptoms improve, monitor your condition closely. If there is no improvement within a few days, or if symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to return to your healthcare provider.

- Potential Underlying Conditions: Conditions such as yeast infections, bacterial infections, or even sexually transmitted infections can present with similar symptoms. If the topical treatment does not resolve the issue, further diagnostic testing may be necessary to identify the underlying cause.

In summary, while your initial assessment indicated a mild condition, the lack of improvement suggests that a follow-up appointment is warranted. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health, especially regarding potential infections. Your healthcare provider can offer further evaluation and possibly adjust your treatment plan based on your current symptoms.

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