Ongoing pain in the urethra

Question

I have been having ongoing pain in the urethra when urinating. Mt specialist initially indicated that I sufferred Prostitis and conducted a prostrate examination. He gave me the all clear. I also suffer genital herpes but do not currently have an outbreak, yet the pain in the urethra continues, and has continued for seven weeks. Although I have tesed negative to NSU, Chlamydia and UTI, my doctor placed me on Doxycycline, then Amoxcillian, as a precaution. It is obvious that I do not suffer NSU,UTI or other STD's, as these medication/s have not assisted. Could I possibly have Herpes in the urethra?

This discussion is related to Possibility of herpes in urethra of male??.

auntiejessi · Answer

Good to hear.  Good luck!

Aj

mtb831 · Answer

Returned to the specialist two days ago and have been prescribed Flomaxtra (Alpha Blocker).  So far so good.

mtb831 · Answer

Thanks J.  I apprecate the support and advice.  Pain significantly subsided today and I had a 'good' day....so to speak.  Thanks again.

M

auntiejessi · Answer

Oh I'm sorry.  I don't have suggestions for you - its not my area of expertise.  

Have you visited the urology forum here?  You might find some info there.  It can take some time for them to answer questions (which is why we don't mind if you post them here, but we can't always help) but they might have some older threads on it you can learn from.

The urology forum is here - http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/52

I wish I had more help for you.  Let us know how you are doing, and if you have questions.  You might also search this forum (use the little search bar up near the top of the page right above "recent activity")

mtb831 · Answer

Unfortunately Voltaren effect ran out yesterday and I am now in a great deal of pain again.  Another doctor visit today and have been prescribed Naproxen 1000 as an alternative.  Still in pain and looking for another solution. Will re-visit the specialist 27 Feb. Any suggestions....please?

auntiejessi · Answer

Good luck, and keep us posted, and let us know if we can do anything for you.

AJ

mtb831 · Answer

Yes I agree.  Fortunately I have a very understanding and patient doctor/s let alone spouse.  Thanks for the info, I'll be seeing specialist again in two weeks.

auntiejessi · Answer

Oh without a doubt its one of the most frustrating conditions.  I liken it to endometriosis in women - not a lot of treatment options, and its chronic.  I'm sorry you are dealing with it.  

It seems some men, at least, are getting relief from some of the treatments listed in that article.  It might be worth trying some - at this point, you have nothing to lose.

Hang in there,
AJ

mtb831 · Answer

Thanks....based on the wikipedia definition of pelvic pain I most certainly fit within this category.  This is extremely frustrating and I wonder how many other personnel suffer in silence with this condition.

auntiejessi · Answer

You should check this article out - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_prostatitis/chronic_pelvic_pain_syndrome

mtb831 · Answer

I went back to my doctor who placed me on the anti-inflammatory Mobic.  Unfortunately, no joy, pain persisted.  Next step, back to the specialist and back into hospital for a prostrate massage and another Cystoscopy.  Good news is that there are no immediate nor apparent concerns with my prostrate (nor bladder).  However, my specialist has placed me on Diclofenac (Voltaren) (three a day after meals) and all symptoms have disappeared.  The problem is that this anti-inflammatory is not fixing the problem, but is just masking the pain.  I don't really care, as I feel OK again.  My specialist feels that I have a prostrate issue (Prostatitis Category III or IV). Category III accounts for 90%-95% of prostatitis diagnoses, and is also known as chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.  Men in this category have no known infection, but do have extensive pelvic pain lasting more than 3 months.  However, I do not have any pelvic pain.  There are no standard diagnostic tests; diagnosis is by exclusion of other disease entities. Multimodal therapy is the most successful treatment option, and includes α-blockers, physiotherapy, and protocols aimed at quieting the pelvic nerves. Antibiotics are not recommended.   Category IV is a symptomless microscopic condition of the prostate gland.  Diagnosis is through tests of semen or prostate tissue that reveal inflammation in the absence of symptoms.  Apparently, no treatment is required. It is standard practice for men with infertility and category IV prostatitis to be given a trial of antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatories however evidence for efficacy are weak.  Do a search on Google....it may be of help.  The bottom line, I no longer worry about it, I drink gallons of water to flush the system out, eat healthy with an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables and exercise regularly.  I hope this helps.

auntiejessi · Answer

You should ask your doctor for a type specific IgG herpes blood test to see if you have it.

Aj

SD92103 · Answer

Hi MTB831, I am experiencing the  same symptoms.  5 years ago, I had a horrible pain in my rectum that lasted for several weeks.  When that cleared up, it moved to my urethra.  Initial herpes tests came back negative, as did all other STD's.  However, they then ran some kind of "Rapid herpes" test similar to a rapid HIV test, and said they did see signs of a "new infection".  So, they put me on Valtrex, but it still took like 2 weeks for everything to clear up.  After I used all the Valtrex, I never took any other meds, and the problem went away for 5 years.  Now, Monday of this week, my urethra started hurting when pissing.  I went in had test for gonarea, chlymidia, syphilis, as well as urine culture, everything comes back negative.  I've been on zovirax 5x a day since Monday, symptoms aren't getting worse, but not better either.

This is completely wierd, I've never had any obvious signs of genetal herpes, no sores, no shedding, just this little thing inside my urethra!  I actually had unprotected anal and oral sex with my last partner for 1.5 years, and he tested negative for herpes (and all other STDS)... So it doesn't make much sense to me.

auntiejessi · Answer

Well, if you are on valaciclovir, its even less likely that its herpes.

I'm sure its frustrating, but you do need to follow up with your doctor.

Good luck.

Aj

mtb831 · Answer

Yes, that's why I'm on Valaciclovir.  Diagnosed in 1982, and a quite aware of the warning signs indicating an outbreak. This, however, is entirely new to me and quite painful, and, is very frustrating.  I am married and do not stray (nor does my wife, who is aware of this problem of mine).  We are unable to be intimate with my wife due to this ongoing concern.  

M

auntiejessi · Answer

Have you been diagnosed with herpes?

Aj

mtb831 · Answer

Yes, I take Valaciclovir twice daily.  No outbreak sores exist. 

M

gracefromHHP · Answer

Well do you treat your herpes? If so what are you taking?

grace

mtb831 · Answer

Yeah I know, however, my current doctor has no answer.  Due to unavailability, I am unable to access the specialist in the short term.  I have just returned from CT and all is clear.  Testicles, bladder and kidney ok.  Dear oh dear, I have just about had enough.

auntiejessi · Answer

You need to contact your doctor sooner if you are taking that amount of meds.

Aj

mtb831 · Answer

Although I am aware that Herpes symptons do not last beyond several weeks, it sometimes feels like GH.  I intend to revisit my specialist over the next fortnight as I believe he may have missed something, as I am displaying symptons of prostititus.  In addition, I am having a CT on my pelvis/groin area in one hour to determine if anything else is amiss.  I am in a great deal of pain and am sucking on at least eight + Panadine Forte per day.

M