Get Relief from Ongoing Urethritis Pain !

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.

Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, often due to infections, and it can cause pain during urination, penile irritation, and sometimes discharge. For men, urethritis is often related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, but it can also be triggered by other pathogens or irritants. Given that you've been experiencing urethritis symptoms for six months without relief, despite following prescribed medications, several possible factors may need consideration.

Firstly, urethritis that is resistant to initial treatments may be due to specific causes, like non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) from bacteria such as Chlamydia trachomatis or Mycoplasma genitalium. If these have not been fully addressed, symptoms can persist. Additionally, other underlying conditions like prostatitis or urinary tract infections could also contribute to ongoing pain and discomfort.

For an accurate diagnosis, it’s essential to consider a detailed sexual health history and appropriate testing, including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) for STIs. If you haven’t done so, it may be helpful to request testing for both gonococcal and non-gonococcal infections and consider screening for other STIs such as HIV and syphilis. If standard antibiotics haven’t fully resolved your symptoms, your healthcare provider might recommend alternative antibiotics or a different treatment plan. It’s also important to ensure that any sexual partners are treated to prevent reinfection, which can contribute to persistent symptoms.

Regular follow-up is crucial to monitor progress and adjust treatment if needed. Additionally, if you experience significant pain, swelling, or fever, it’s advisable to seek immediate medical attention. In the meantime, you may also want to avoid potential irritants, such as certain soaps or lotions, that might worsen symptoms, and maintain good hygiene to help prevent further infection or irritation.

Given the ongoing nature of your symptoms, consulting a specialist—such as a urologist or a sexual health expert—could provide a more comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan to help manage and potentially resolve your condition.

Thanks