Urethral Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Urethral Syndrome?

Urethral syndrome or urethral pain syndrome is a condition that affects the tube that carries the urine from the kidneys to the outside of the body, the urethra. The primary function of the urethra is to transport urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. People suffering from urethral syndrome have inflamed and irritated urethra. As a result, the urethra becomes swollen, making it difficult for the person to urinate. The symptoms of urethral syndrome or symptomatic bacteriuria are similar to urethritis. The inflammation and infection of the urethra are known as urethritis. It has been noted that urethritis mainly occurs due to bacterial and viral infections. However, the causes of urethral syndrome are not known. Though it can affect people of any age group or sex, females are more likely to experience this condition.

What Is the Urethra?

The urethra is a part of the urinary system that is vulnerable to infections and carries urine outside the body. It is a thin tube-like structure that links the urinary bladder to the outside world. The muscles present in the walls of the urinary bladder contract and relax to receive urine. Males and females have different lengths of the urethra. Usually, females have a shorter urethra than males. As a result, females are more prone to develop urologic diseases. Sometimes, the urethra becomes swollen and narrow due to accidents, injuries, and scar tissue. As a result, the patient faces difficulty in passing urine. Urethral problems must be treated at the earliest to stay healthy.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors for Urethral Syndrome?

Though there are several causes and risk factors for urethral syndrome, nothing has been known about its exact causes. Some researchers believe that environmental factors, narrowing of the urethra, or injury can increase the risk of urethral syndrome. The causes or risk factors for the urethral syndrome are listed below:

• Sexually transmitted diseases or infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea increase the risk of urethral syndrome.

• People consuming hot and spicy foods and beverages containing caffeine and alcohol are more likely to experience urethral syndrome. This is because these substances can easily pass into the urine.

• Some patients might develop urethral syndrome due to the continuous use of scented soaps and chemical-containing contraceptives. These mainly include the following:

  • Body washes.

  • Scented soaps.

  • Feminine sprays.

  • Douches.

  • Condoms.

  • Contraceptive gels.

• Urinary tract infection is also one of the major causes of urethral syndrome because the bacteria might enter the urethra and cause urethral inflammation and irritation. This is because the urethra is a sensitive organ and is vulnerable to infections.

• Some of the other risk factors for urethral syndrome are listed below:

  • Having sexual intercourse without a condom.

  • Medical history of sexually transmitted diseases.

  • Bacterial infections in the urinary bladder and other urologic organs.

  • Taking immunosuppressants.

  • Congenital anomalies like the narrowing of the urethra.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Urethral Syndrome?

Urethral syndrome can affect males and females at any age. Some of the common symptoms experienced by patients are listed below:

1. The patient might need to urinate frequently.

2. Pain in the lower abdomen.

3. A strong urge or a feeling to urinate frequently.

4. Difficulty in passing urine.

5. Pain at the time of sexual intercourse.

6. Pain in the genitals and lower back.

7. Hematuria (blood in the urine).

The following symptoms are commonly seen in males:

1. Testicular swelling.

2. Pain during ejaculation.

3. Presence of blood in the semen.

4. Penile discharge.

How Is Urethral Syndrome Diagnosed?

Urethral syndrome is challenging to diagnose because its symptoms resemble many other urologic conditions. Therefore, a diagnosis can only be made when all the other conditions and their symptoms are ruled out. The diagnostic methods are listed below:

1. Urinalysis - Urinalysis or urine sample test is a simple procedure wherein the patient collects the urine sample and sends it to the hospital or the laboratory for examination under a microscope. It is a simple procedure that helps detect blood, pus, white blood cells, bacteria, and other urologic abnormalities.

2. Ultrasound - It is a simple imaging procedure wherein the patient lies on the X-ray table. First, the doctor applies a gel to his stomach and moves a device known as the ultrasound probe. When this device contracts the gel, it sends sound waves into the body resulting in the formation of images on the computed screen. The doctor can analyze the urinary tract with these images.

How Is Urethral Syndrome Treated?

Doctors might use numerous approaches to treat urethral syndrome. Lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgical interventions are some of how urethral syndrome can be managed. The treatment options are listed below:

• Lifestyle Modifications - The doctor might ask the patient to stop using certain products like scented soaps, body washes, or tampons. Coffee, alcohol, oily, and spicy foods must be consumed in a limited amount. People must also avoid going on long bike rides.

• Medicines - The following medications are commonly used for urethral syndrome:

  • The doctor might recommend common antibiotics used against infections.

  • Anesthetics like Phenazopyridine and Lidocaine can be used commonly.

  • Antispasmodics include Hyoscyamine and Oxybutynin.

  • Antidepressants, including Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline, can be used as they relax the nerves and reduce chronic pain.

  • Alpha-blockers, including Doxazosin and Prazosin, can be effectively used as they stimulate blood flow and relax the muscles of the blood vessels.

• Surgery - Though surgical intervention is required in rare situations, the doctor might recommend widening the urethra by performing urethral surgery or using dilators. However, an important point to be noted here is that the surgery is done, only when the urethra is constricted. There are several causes of urethral constriction, including injury, inflammation, and scar tissue formation.

How Can Urethral Syndrome Be Prevented?

If the patient suffered from urethral syndrome previously, he might take the below-mentioned steps to prevent urethral syndrome:

1. Do not use products that irritate the urethra.

2. Always use effective barrier contraceptive methods before getting involved in sexual activities.

3. The patient must get tested immediately if he feels that he is suffering from urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections.

4. Urinate immediately after sexual intercourse.

5. The patient must wipe his genitals from front to back after passing urine.

6. Avoid wearing tight undergarments or jeans.

7. Always wear cotton undergarments.

Conclusion:

Urethral syndrome is a common condition that primarily affects the urethra. It is not a life-threatening condition, but the patient might encounter problems if it is left untreated for prolonged periods. So, the patient must notify the symptoms at the earliest and consult their doctor. A urologist would greatly help diagnose urologic abnormalities, including urethral syndrome.