Urethritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and When to Seek Help

Q: Urethritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and When to Seek Help

A-Jie： Hello, the general treatment for urethritis ranges from about 3 days to 3 weeks, as different bacteria require different treatment durations. <br>However, if it invades the prostate and causes prostatitis, the treatment duration starts from 4 weeks and can sometimes extend

Urethritis

Hello, Dr.
Hsu: About ten days ago, I had urethritis.
I went to a somewhat unreliable private clinic, where they prescribed antibiotics, and my condition improved significantly (the pain during urination has subsided, and there is no discharge).
After taking the medication for four days, I stopped for four days and went to the hospital for a check-up (because I was worried).
After the tests, the doctor said everything was okay and switched me to the hospital's prescribed medication.
However, after taking it for five days, I still experience lower back pain, occasional fever, and sometimes pain in the perineal area.
I had another urine test, which also came back normal, and the doctor prescribed the same medication again.
It seems that the medication from the private clinic was more effective, but it appears they were not licensed.
I am very concerned about the possibility of developing a chronic condition or further complications.
1.
I found some information indicating that occasional fever and lower back pain can be signs of kidney involvement.
Does this mean I might have kidney involvement?
2.
Could I have an infection in other areas as well?
3.
What tests should I undergo for a comprehensive urinary system evaluation?
4.
Should I consider switching to another hospital or a different doctor?
Thank you again.

A Jie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/06/09

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

A-Jie: Hello, the general treatment for urethritis ranges from about 3 days to 3 weeks, as different bacteria require different treatment durations.
However, if it invades the prostate and causes prostatitis, the treatment duration starts from 4 weeks and can sometimes extend to 12 weeks.
My recommendations are: 1.
First, stop the antibiotics and observe the situation.
If symptoms persist, check: urine, cultures, prostate secretions, etc.
2.
Do you have a fever? Measure your body temperature to see if you really have a fever; if you do, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
3.
Symptoms like lower back pain, lower abdominal pain, etc., cannot be used as evidence of infection and require further testing results.
4.
Sometimes, for urinary tract infections, you can buy cranberry juice from a supermarket and drink 500cc daily, which may help treat urinary tract infections.
Urology Department Chief, Hsu Wei-Kai, responding on behalf of the Taitung Hospital of the Department of Health, Executive Yuan, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2005/06/09

More Info

Urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra, can be caused by various factors, including infections, irritants, or trauma. Symptoms typically include pain during urination, discharge from the urethra, and sometimes fever or lower abdominal pain. Given your recent experiences, it’s essential to address your concerns systematically.

1. Understanding Your Symptoms: The fact that you experienced pain during urination and occasional fever suggests that there may still be an underlying infection or inflammation. While the antibiotics you received initially seemed effective, the recurrence of symptoms like lower back pain and discomfort in the perineal area could indicate that the infection has not been fully resolved. It’s also possible that the infection has spread to the kidneys, leading to pyelonephritis, especially if you are experiencing fever and flank pain. If you suspect kidney involvement, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly, as untreated kidney infections can lead to serious complications.

2. Potential for Other Infections: Urethritis can sometimes be associated with other infections, such as prostatitis in men or pelvic inflammatory disease in women. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms despite antibiotic treatment, it may be worth considering that there could be an infection in another part of your urinary tract or reproductive system. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to rule out these possibilities.

3. Diagnostic Tests: To assess the health of your urinary system, you may need several tests. A urinalysis and urine culture are standard initial tests to identify any bacterial infections. If there is a suspicion of kidney involvement, imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan may be warranted to visualize the kidneys and urinary tract. Additionally, tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be appropriate, especially if there is a history of unprotected sexual contact.

4. Seeking Further Medical Care: If you feel that your current treatment is not effective or if you have concerns about the quality of care you are receiving, it is entirely reasonable to seek a second opinion. Finding a healthcare provider who specializes in urology or infectious diseases may provide you with more targeted care. It’s essential to communicate your symptoms clearly and express your concerns about the possibility of a chronic condition.

In summary, your symptoms warrant further investigation to ensure that any underlying infections are adequately treated. It’s crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider who can perform the necessary tests and provide appropriate treatment. In the meantime, ensure you stay hydrated, avoid irritants (such as caffeine and alcohol), and monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience worsening symptoms, such as increased fever, severe pain, or changes in urination, seek immediate medical attention.

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