Urethral Pain: Causes and Solutions for Urinary Issues

Dysuria / Urethritis / Urethral warts

Hello Dr.
Lee,
I have previously experienced difficulty urinating, feeling like my bladder isn't completely empty.
I would sometimes use tissue to dry the urethral opening, and when I didn't have tissue available, I would use my hand, which led to some inflammation and redness at the urethral opening.
Although it was painful, I didn't seek treatment, and it resolved itself after a few days.

Currently, I am experiencing frequent urination and the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.
I find that I feel the urge to urinate more when standing than when sitting.
During urination, there is generally no significant pain, but when I strain to urinate, I feel a sharp pain in a specific area near the glans, which has always been the painful spot.

I am quite worried that this might be related to my past habit of inserting warts into the urethra, and that the warts might have developed inside the urethra, causing irritation and pain during urination.

Could you please advise me on whether my symptoms could be related to urethral warts or other conditions such as urethritis? I have been troubled by this for a long time.
Thank you for your professional opinion.

A-Bao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/09/01

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

Your situation sounds more complex, and it is important to clarify that a simple description cannot determine your condition.
If you have symptoms, please visit a medical facility for a urinalysis and physical examination.
Therefore, it is emphasized that if symptoms do not improve or worsen, it is still advisable to consult a professional physician for evaluation and examination to avoid delaying your condition.
Physicians often need to inquire about your medical history, perform visual and tactile examinations, and conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you have a medical issue, it is recommended to seek evaluation and treatment from a nearby urologist.

Reply Date: 2013/09/01

More Info

Urethral pain can be a distressing symptom that significantly impacts one’s quality of life. Your description of symptoms, including difficulty urinating, a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, and localized pain near the urethral opening, suggests a potential underlying issue that warrants further investigation.
Based on your history, it’s important to consider several possible causes for your symptoms. One common condition is urethritis, which is inflammation of the urethra. This can be caused by infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or even non-infectious irritants. Given your mention of past irritation from using your hands to dry the urethral area, it’s possible that this could have led to localized inflammation or even a mild infection.

Another potential cause is interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome. This condition is characterized by chronic pelvic pain, frequent urination, and urgency, often without a clear infection. Patients with IC may experience pain during urination, particularly if the bladder is full. The pain you describe, particularly when urinating, could align with this condition.

Additionally, you mentioned a concern about the possibility of warts (cauliflower-like growths) in the urethra. Genital warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), can indeed occur in the urethral area and may lead to discomfort or pain during urination. It’s crucial to have this evaluated by a healthcare professional, as they can perform a thorough examination and possibly a urethroscopy to visualize the urethra and identify any abnormalities.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, I recommend the following steps:
1. Consult a Urologist: A specialist in urinary tract disorders can provide a comprehensive evaluation. They may perform a physical examination, urine tests, and possibly imaging studies to assess your urinary tract.

2. Urinalysis and Culture: A urinalysis can help identify any signs of infection, blood, or other abnormalities in your urine. A culture can determine if there are any bacterial infections present.

3. Urethroscopy: This procedure allows the doctor to look directly into the urethra and bladder using a thin tube with a camera. It can help identify any lesions, inflammation, or other issues that may be causing your symptoms.

4. Discuss Sexual Health: If you have had any sexual partners, it’s important to discuss your sexual history with your doctor, as STIs can contribute to urethral pain and inflammation.

5. Symptom Management: In the meantime, managing your symptoms with increased fluid intake, avoiding irritants (such as caffeine and alcohol), and possibly using over-the-counter pain relief may help alleviate discomfort.

6. Follow-Up: If initial treatments do not provide relief, further evaluation may be necessary to explore other potential causes, such as IC or other chronic conditions.

In summary, your symptoms could be indicative of several conditions, including urethritis, interstitial cystitis, or possibly genital warts. It is essential to seek medical attention to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Your health and comfort are paramount, and addressing these symptoms with a healthcare provider will help you find relief and peace of mind.

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