Urethral Itching: Causes and Concerns After Handjob

There is a slight itching at the urethral opening?

Hello Doctor: I am doing business in Indonesia.
Two weeks ago, I went to a sauna with a friend where I received a handjob from a massage therapist.
There was no other sexual activity, but I regretted it afterward and became very concerned about contracting an infection.
Since then, I have been closely monitoring any changes in my genital area.
If I remember correctly, the day after, I felt a slight itch at the urethral opening, which was not very pronounced, somewhat like a minty sensation at the urethra.
The feeling has been relatively consistent each day, occasionally accompanied by a mild stinging sensation, but it is not severe.
There are no unusual symptoms when urinating; there is no pain or itchiness in the urethra or urethral opening, but I can feel the stinging more prominently when the urethral opening rubs against clothing.
I recall having very little discharge, and the color and odor of my urine have been normal.
The urethral opening does not appear to be red or swollen.
Around the 12th day, the pain at the urethral opening became more noticeable, so I visited a relatively reputable urology clinic.
The doctor diagnosed me through visual inspection and palpation (he opened the urethral opening for examination) and concluded that there was no STD, and the appearance of my genitalia was normal.
He suggested that the irritation might be due to the oil or lotion used during the handjob.
Currently, after drinking more water and urinating frequently, the pain and itchiness at the urethral opening have mostly disappeared, although I occasionally feel a slight sensation.
However, since that painful day, I have experienced a slight swelling in the perineal area (between the scrotum and anus) for about three days now.
I would like to ask the doctor if there is a high possibility of non-gonococcal urethritis.
It has been about 14 days now, and although the itchiness and pain have improved significantly, is it possible for irritation from an external substance to last this long? Thank you.

Xiao Lin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/06/21

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

Your condition is likely caused by symptoms from some topical massage irritants, as indicated by visual and physical examination findings.
It may be due to oils or lotions used during the handjob process irritating the urethral opening.
Typically, this can improve within 1-2 weeks.
If symptoms persist, please seek medical evaluation and diagnosis nearby.

Reply Date: 2014/06/21

More Info

Urethral itching and discomfort following a handjob can be concerning, especially when one is worried about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced some irritation in the urethral area, which may not necessarily indicate an STI but could be due to other factors.

Firstly, it's important to note that urethral irritation can occur for a variety of reasons, including mechanical irritation from friction, allergic reactions to lubricants or oils used during the handjob, or even minor trauma to the area. The symptoms you described—itching, a slight burning sensation, and occasional discomfort—are consistent with non-specific urethritis, which can be caused by irritation rather than an infection.

The fact that you have not experienced any significant pain during urination, no unusual discharge, and that your urine appears normal is reassuring. These factors suggest that a serious infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, is less likely, especially since a healthcare professional has already examined you and found no signs of STIs.

The improvement in your symptoms after increasing fluid intake and urinating more frequently also supports the idea that irritation rather than infection is the primary issue. Hydration can help flush out irritants and reduce discomfort. However, the persistent mild swelling in the perineal area (the area between the scrotum and anus) that you mentioned could indicate a mild inflammatory response, possibly due to the same irritation or minor trauma.

In terms of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), it is indeed a possibility, especially if the irritation persists. NGU can be caused by various factors, including irritation from soaps, lotions, or even friction. If the symptoms do not resolve completely or if they worsen, it would be prudent to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may consider additional tests to rule out any underlying infections or conditions.

To manage your symptoms, consider the following recommendations:
1. Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of any products that may irritate the genital area, such as scented soaps, lotions, or lubricants that you suspect may have caused the irritation.

2. Maintain Hygiene: Keep the area clean and dry. Gentle washing with mild soap and water can help.

3. Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of fluids to help flush out your urinary system.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. If you notice increased pain, swelling, or any new symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

5. Follow-Up: If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks or if you have any concerns, consider returning to a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend tests such as a urinalysis or urine culture to rule out any infections.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be due to irritation rather than an STI, it is essential to remain vigilant and seek medical advice if your condition does not improve. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and addressing any lingering concerns with a healthcare professional is always a wise choice.

Similar Q&A

Post-Masturbation Discomfort: Understanding Urethral Symptoms and Risks

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 ...

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....

Understanding Urethritis: Symptoms and Possible STDs After Oral Sex

I'm not a doctor, but based on your description, it sounds like you may be experiencing symptoms related to inflammation or irritation rather than a sexually transmitted infection (STI), especially since your urine test did not show any bacteria. The pain in your genital are...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: After observing for a few days and increasing water intake, some cases may just be simple inflammation or injury. If symptoms persist, it is important to seek medical attention. Most of these do not fall under specific sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which typicall...

Post-Ejaculation Itching: Understanding Urethral Discomfort

Hello, Dr. Hsu: I have noticed that after masturbation, my urethra feels a bit itchy after a while. I have previously undergone urine and semen tests, both of which were normal. Why is this happening? Currently, I am taking the medications Harnal Ocas and Prostagutt prescribed by...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Xiaofeng: Hello, I cannot diagnose diseases or provide medical advice. It is important to trust the judgment of clinical physicians. If you have any concerns, you can visit a nearby medical facility for relevant tests. If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and ...

Understanding Itchy Glans: Causes and Concerns After Oral Sex

Hello Doctor: My boyfriend mentioned that after oral sex, he felt an itch inside the glans the next day, not on the outside. He described it as a sensation similar to being bitten by a mosquito, where he wants to scratch but can't reach it. There are no visible abnormalities...

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology
Hello: If there is a possibility of urethritis, further testing is required to determine the issue with the perineal skin. It is difficult to assist with this through online consultations, so please visit the outpatient clinic for a personal diagnosis by a physician. - Dr. Chien-...