Can Menstrual Blood Flow from the Urethra? Gynecological Concerns

Menstruation coming from the urethra?

In the past three months, my menstrual flow has decreased to the point where I have to exert effort for it to come out.
After an ultrasound, the gynecologist diagnosed me with polycystic ovary syndrome.
I took medication to induce menstruation and ovulation, but the flow remained minimal.
Later, I noticed a milky white, odorless discharge that did not seem like vaginal discharge.
When I touched the area around the vaginal opening, it felt swollen.
I used a mirror to check and found that after urination, a milky white, odorless discharge would come out of the urethra.
I then visited a urologist for a urinalysis and bacterial culture, and the doctor said it was a streptococcal infection and prescribed antibiotics, but it did not improve.
I returned to the gynecologist, who examined me and mentioned a cyst below the urethra, advising me to go back to the urologist.
The urologist examined me again and stated there was no cyst or urethral diverticulum and told me to monitor the situation.
This month, my menstrual flow was still very minimal and thick.
I checked again with a mirror and confirmed that the menstrual blood was indeed coming from the urethra after urination, not from the vagina.
Is it possible for menstrual blood to flow from the urethra?

Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/06

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if you confirm that the blood and discharge are coming from the urethra, you may ask a urologist to arrange relevant tests, such as urinalysis, cytology, cystoscopy, and other examinations.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Chang.

Reply Date: 2015/07/06

More Info

Menstrual blood should not flow from the urethra, as the urethra and vagina are separate anatomical structures. The urethra is the tube through which urine exits the body, while the vagina is the canal that connects the external genitals to the uterus. However, some women may experience a phenomenon known as "coital incontinence," where urine may leak during sexual activity, which can sometimes be mistaken for menstrual blood.
In your case, the presence of white, odorless discharge from the urethra after urination suggests that there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. The fact that you have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and have been experiencing changes in your menstrual cycle, such as decreased flow and the presence of thick, scant menstrual blood, indicates that hormonal imbalances may be contributing to your symptoms.
PCOS is a common endocrine disorder that can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation (lack of ovulation), and changes in the quality and quantity of menstrual blood. The hormonal fluctuations associated with PCOS can also lead to the development of cysts on the ovaries, which can further complicate menstrual patterns.
The discovery of a cyst near the urethra raises additional concerns. While your urologist has indicated that there is no cyst or diverticulum present, it is essential to continue monitoring your symptoms. Sometimes, cysts can be transient or may not be easily identifiable on imaging studies. If you are experiencing persistent discomfort or changes in your urinary or menstrual patterns, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion or further evaluation from a specialist.

The presence of a white discharge could also indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or another type of infection, especially if you have been experiencing symptoms such as burning during urination or increased frequency of urination. Streptococcus infections can cause various symptoms, and if antibiotics have not resolved the issue, it may be worth discussing alternative treatments or further testing with your healthcare provider.

In summary, while menstrual blood should not flow from the urethra, the symptoms you are experiencing may be related to hormonal imbalances from PCOS, potential infections, or other underlying conditions. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers, continue monitoring your symptoms, and seek further evaluation if your condition does not improve. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing stress can help improve symptoms associated with PCOS and overall reproductive health.

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