Genital Warts

I have a question regarding genital warts.  Can they grow inside the urethra?  I know for a fact that I do have genital warts, cause I've had several burned off before, mostly in the anal area though.  Recently I've noticed that sometimes when I go to the bathroom my urine (when it first comes out) will either have a divided stream or it will not shoot straight.  But it only happens right when the urine comes out, then after I've urinated for a little while it shoots out straight.  If it is possible for warts to grow inside the penis how do they test to see if I have them there?  And how would they treat that problem?  Thanks.

~ Morgs

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Yes, warts can occur inside the urethra and can cause altered urine stream.  But that's not the only possibility.  When split or deviated urine stream occurs only in the morning, it often is because of accumulated mucus or sexual secretions (semen, pre-ejaculate fluid) if an erection/arousal or an ejaculation has occured during the night.  Urethritis (gonorrhea, chlamydia, NGU) also can do it, so be alert to any sign of abnormal penile discharge, even if very subtle.  Urethral stricture is another possibility but extremely unlikely.

The fact that the stream straightens out quickly makes me lean more toward the secretions/infection possibility rather than an anatomic obstruction (warts, stricture).  But this is a soft call; you need to see a health care provider, preferably one who is experienced in STD issues.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[Morgs]

I forgot to mention that about 2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Chlamydia.  The doctor prescribed Doxicycline and I just finished my medication about 4 days ago.  Would you say that the leftover secretions from the Chlamydia are more then likely causing the divided stream of urine.  Especially when you consider that I never had this problem until I was just recently diagnosed with Chlamydia?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

That's a big "forget"!  In that case, I think you are seeing the effects of residual inflammation from your chlamydial infection, and I suspect your altered urine stream will normalize over the next several days.  If it persists, go back to the provider who treated your chlamydial infection.  (In that case, if your bladder can stand it try to get an early morning appointment and get seen before you first urinate.)

Good luck--  HHH, MD