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Urology (Expert Forum)
Chronic Urethretis
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Chronic Urethretis
by jmd9090, Sep 06, 2004 12:00AM
I have had constant irritation and dark discoloration on the tip of my penis for about the past 5 months. I went to see my doctor about 3 months ago and had numerous blood and urine tests...even a swab taken from my urethra. All tests for STDs and UTIs came back negative. My triglycerides were normal. I have been on Doxycycline for the past month now but the irritation and discoloration although slightly lessened still continues. My doctor has put me on another 2 month supply of 100MG of Doxycycline.
I am extremely frustrated at the lack of any progress. There is still irritation and have read in various forums that it could be a result of diet and/or stress? I have cut out caffeine, alcohol and significantly reduced my sugar intake but I am concerned that this might have to be a permanent lifestyle adjustment.
Should I consult a urologist, perhaps for a penile ultrasound? Is there any other medication out there or would I have to continue to make these lifestyle changes? And if this does involve making these lifestyle changes, when might I expect to feel any better?
I am extremely frustrated at the lack of any progress. There is still irritation and have read in various forums that it could be a result of diet and/or stress? I have cut out caffeine, alcohol and significantly reduced my sugar intake but I am concerned that this might have to be a permanent lifestyle adjustment.
Should I consult a urologist, perhaps for a penile ultrasound? Is there any other medication out there or would I have to continue to make these lifestyle changes? And if this does involve making these lifestyle changes, when might I expect to feel any better?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 08, 2004 12:00AM
, Sep 08, 2004 12:00AM
I would certainly consider a referral to a urologist. If the normal tests for STDs are negative, including gonorrhea, chlamydia and UTIs, then you may want to investigate the prostate. A thorough rectal exam would be a good start, as well as sending off any prostatic fluid for analysis and culture.
I'm not sure a penile ultrasound would be helpful with the irritation. Sometimes anatomical abnormalities such as urethral polyps or strictures can cause irritation and can be diagnosed via a cystoscopy.
Going back to the prostate, a transrectal ultrasound can be considered to image the prostate, looking for any abscesses which can cause chronic infection.
You may want to discuss these options with your personal physician or urologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
I'm not sure a penile ultrasound would be helpful with the irritation. Sometimes anatomical abnormalities such as urethral polyps or strictures can cause irritation and can be diagnosed via a cystoscopy.
Going back to the prostate, a transrectal ultrasound can be considered to image the prostate, looking for any abscesses which can cause chronic infection.
You may want to discuss these options with your personal physician or urologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
