Post-Masturbation Discomfort: Urethral Symptoms and Risks

Q: Post-Masturbation Discomfort: Urethral Symptoms and Risks

Hello： A few days ago, I used a masturbator and ran out of lubricant, so I used soap for lubrication. <br>During the process, I felt some discomfort in my penis but still completed the masturbation. <br>Afterward, I felt pain at the tip of my penis and noticed some minor skin irr

After masturbating with soap, there is discharge from the urethra and itching in the urethra?

Hello, doctor: A few days ago, I used a masturbatory sleeve, and since I ran out of lubricant, I used soap as a lubricant.
During the process, I felt some discomfort in my penis but still completed the masturbation.
Afterward, I noticed pain at the tip of my penis and some minor skin abrasion.
The next day, when I woke up to use the bathroom, I noticed a whitish discharge from the glans, and my underwear had dried white discharge stains.
I thought it was just residual semen from the previous day's masturbation, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
However, over the past few days, I've experienced itching in the urethra, and every morning when I wake up, the glans appears to have what looks like dried discharge.
When I squeeze the penis, the meatus becomes moist, and I can expel a drop of whitish, somewhat transparent discharge.
I specifically checked for any odor, but there was none.
For the past few days, my underwear has shown no signs of discharge, but every morning when I squeeze my penis, there is about a small drop of discharge.
Aside from that, I have no stinging sensations.
Additionally, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my girlfriend in early October.
I would like to know if this could be a sexually transmitted infection or if it is related to using soap for masturbation.
If it is urethritis caused by masturbation, will it heal on its own?

Lin Xiang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/03

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: A few days ago, I used a masturbator and ran out of lubricant, so I used soap for lubrication.
During the process, I felt some discomfort in my penis but still completed the masturbation.
Afterward, I felt pain at the tip of my penis and noticed some minor skin irritation.
The next morning, when I went to the bathroom, I observed a whitish discharge from the glans, and my underwear had dried white stains.
I thought it was just residual semen from the previous day's masturbation, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
However, over the past few days, I've experienced itching in the urethra, and every morning when I wake up, the glans appears to have what looks like dried discharge.
When I squeeze the penis, the urethral opening becomes moist, and I can expel a drop of whitish, somewhat transparent discharge, which has no noticeable odor.
There have been no traces of discharge on my underwear, but I still get about a small drop of discharge when I squeeze the penis in the morning.
--> I should see a doctor in the morning for a urine test; aside from that, I have no burning sensations.
Additionally, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my girlfriend in early October.
I would like to inquire if this could be a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or if it is related to using soap for masturbation.
If it is urethritis caused by the masturbation, will it heal on its own? --> It's hard to say whether it's an STI because the symptoms are not very pronounced.
If there is a significant amount of discharge, it could indicate an infection.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/11/03

More Info

Post-masturbation discomfort, particularly when associated with urethral symptoms, can be concerning and warrants careful consideration of potential causes and risks. Based on your description, it seems you experienced discomfort during masturbation due to the use of soap as a lubricant, which is not recommended. Soap can irritate sensitive skin and mucous membranes, potentially leading to inflammation or minor abrasions.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Discomfort and Irritation: The discomfort you felt during masturbation, combined with the subsequent symptoms of urethral itching and the presence of a whitish discharge, suggests that you may have experienced irritation or inflammation of the urethra. This can occur due to mechanical irritation from the masturbation itself or from the use of an inappropriate lubricant.

2. Discharge: The whitish, somewhat transparent discharge you described, especially if it is not accompanied by a strong odor, may not be indicative of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, it is essential to note that any unusual discharge should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out infections.

3. Potential for Infection: Given that you engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse in early October, there is a possibility of exposure to STIs. Symptoms of STIs can sometimes be subtle, and some infections may not present with significant symptoms initially. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, it is advisable to get tested for STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, as these can cause urethritis and may not always present with severe symptoms.

Possible Causes
- Irritation from Soap: Using soap as a lubricant can lead to irritation of the urethra and glans (the head of the penis), resulting in discomfort and discharge. Soaps can disrupt the natural flora and pH balance, leading to irritation or even a mild inflammatory response.

- Urethritis: This condition can be caused by infections (bacterial or viral) or non-infectious factors such as irritation from chemicals (like soap). Symptoms typically include itching, burning during urination, and discharge.

- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): If you had unprotected sex, there is a risk of contracting an STI, which could present with similar symptoms. Testing is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Recommendations
1. Avoid Irritants: In the future, avoid using soap or any non-approved lubricants during masturbation. Opt for water-based or silicone-based lubricants specifically designed for sexual activity.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If the itching, discharge, or discomfort persists or worsens, seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a physical examination and may recommend tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

3. Testing for STIs: Given your history of unprotected sex, it is advisable to get tested for STIs, even if you do not have significant symptoms. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing complications.

4. Hydration and Hygiene: Maintain good genital hygiene and ensure you are well-hydrated. This can help alleviate some discomfort and promote healing.

5. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you have concerns about your symptoms or if they persist, consult a healthcare provider. They can provide a thorough evaluation, including possible urine tests or swabs, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Conclusion
While it is possible that your symptoms are related to irritation from the soap used during masturbation, the potential for an STI cannot be ruled out, especially considering your recent sexual history. It is essential to prioritize your health by seeking medical advice and getting tested if necessary. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and peace of mind.

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