Sudden Itching in the Urethra: Causes and When to Seek Help

A tingling sensation in the urethra (or penis)?

Dear Dr.
Hsu,
This morning, while I was sleeping, I suddenly felt a tingling itch inside my urethra (not during urination), approximately in the mid-shaft of the penis, not at the urethral opening.
The sensation lasted for a short time, and after getting up to urinate, I did not experience any further itching.
I am currently applying ointment for my phimosis dermatitis, so I would like to ask Dr.
Hsu:
1.
Is there a correlation between this itching and the ointment I am using for my phimosis dermatitis?
2.
Since I am not experiencing any discomfort during urination or otherwise, should I just monitor the situation or seek medical attention directly?
Thank you for your response.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/05/01

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, you can check your urine to see if there is an infection or other inflammatory conditions such as balanitis, which may cause pain or infection.
If you are uncomfortable and there is no improvement, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
If there is improvement, it is likely just an isolated incident, and further investigation may not be necessary.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; if necessary, it is still important to visit a healthcare facility.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare Taitung Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2015/05/01

More Info

The sudden itching sensation you experienced in the urethra can be concerning, but it is important to consider several factors before jumping to conclusions. Here are some insights regarding your situation:
1. Possible Causes of Urethral Itching: The itching sensation you felt could be attributed to several factors. Since you mentioned that you are currently treating a condition of the foreskin (balanitis or phimosis), the medication or ointment you are using could potentially cause irritation or an allergic reaction, leading to the itching sensation. Additionally, other causes could include urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or even skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis affecting the genital area.

2. Relation to Current Treatment: It is possible that the ointment you are applying for your foreskin condition may have ingredients that irritate the sensitive skin of the urethra or the surrounding areas. If the ointment contains steroids or other active ingredients, they might cause localized irritation or an allergic reaction. It would be wise to review the ingredients of the ointment with your healthcare provider to determine if they could be contributing to your symptoms.

3. Observation vs. Immediate Medical Attention: Given that the itching was brief and did not persist, and you are not experiencing any other symptoms such as pain during urination, discharge, or swelling, it may be reasonable to observe the situation for a short period. However, if the itching recurs, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it would be prudent to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough examination and may recommend tests to rule out infections or other underlying conditions.

4. When to Seek Help: You should consider seeking help if:
- The itching persists or worsens.

- You develop additional symptoms such as pain during urination, unusual discharge, or swelling.

- You notice any changes in the appearance of the genital area, such as redness, swelling, or lesions.

- You have concerns about the medication you are using for your foreskin condition.

5. Preventive Measures: In the meantime, ensure that you maintain good hygiene in the genital area. Avoid using harsh soaps or irritants that could exacerbate the condition. If you suspect that the ointment is causing irritation, you might want to stop using it temporarily and consult your healthcare provider for alternative treatments.

In summary, while the sudden itching sensation you experienced may not be a cause for immediate concern, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you have any doubts or if the situation changes, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance. Your health and comfort are paramount, and addressing any potential issues early can help prevent complications.

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