Swelling at the Urethral Opening: Causes and Solutions

Abnormalities of the glans penis?

I have a bulge on the right side of the urethral opening of my glans.
It is somewhat translucent and spherical in shape, feeling soft to the touch, as if there is fluid inside.
It does not appear to be an additional growth, but I feel that if it were to be punctured, something might leak out.
When I urinate, the bulge causes the urine stream to split and makes it difficult to control, often resulting in inaccurate urination.
Aside from this, I do not experience any pain, unusual odors, or other discomfort.
This condition has been present since childhood and has persisted for several years.

Xiao Z, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/09/20

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, it could be a submucosal cyst that might be connected to the urethral opening, or it could be issues like a fistula.
We need to examine the actual protrusion to make a diagnosis.
If it is a fistula, it should be addressed as soon as possible.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further.
This response is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-kai, Director of the Urology Department at Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2010/09/20

More Info

Swelling at the urethral opening, particularly in the area you described, can be concerning and may stem from a variety of causes. Based on your description of a soft, translucent, ball-like swelling on the right side of the urethral opening, it is essential to consider several potential conditions that could be responsible for this symptom.

One possibility is the presence of a urethral cyst or epidermoid cyst. These cysts can develop in the urethral area and are typically benign. They may feel soft and can contain fluid, which aligns with your description of the swelling being soft and potentially filled with liquid. While these cysts are usually harmless, they can sometimes cause issues with urination, such as the splitting of urine flow you mentioned.

Another potential cause could be urethral stricture, which is a narrowing of the urethra that can lead to difficulties in urination. However, this condition is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or a weak urine stream, which you have not reported.
Additionally, the swelling could be related to inflammation or infection, such as balanitis (inflammation of the glans) or urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). These conditions can sometimes cause swelling and may lead to changes in urination patterns. However, since you mentioned the absence of pain, odor, or other discomfort, this may be less likely.

Given that you have experienced this condition since childhood, it might also be a congenital issue, such as a hypospadias, where the urethral opening is not located at the tip of the penis but rather on the underside. This can sometimes lead to abnormal urine flow and may require surgical correction if it causes significant issues.

It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a urologist, for a thorough examination. They may perform a physical examination and possibly imaging studies or a urethroscopy to visualize the urethra and determine the exact nature of the swelling.
In terms of management, if the swelling is confirmed to be a cyst and is not causing significant issues, it may simply be monitored. However, if it is causing problems with urination or if there is any concern about infection or malignancy, treatment options may include drainage of the cyst or surgical intervention.

In conclusion, while the swelling you describe may not currently be causing significant discomfort, it is essential to seek medical advice to rule out any serious underlying conditions and to discuss potential treatment options. Early intervention can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

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