Burning Sensation in Uretha area

[big sister]

My brother had a urine test that came back with blood and slight amount of protein late May '04, then some burning started after.  The blood is minor but the burning hasn't gone away.  Has seen his Dr. and a Urologist twice.  Had a cylmydia test, was given 2 or 3 different antibiotics for possible UTI, with no relief.  Had a blood test and then a type specific blood test for Herpes several times, was given several 10 days of Valtrex with no change.  Each time it came back Herpes Type I positive.  He has received oral sex from someone who has gential Herpes Type II.  He has never had a lesion and can't remember if he has had a cold sore or not.  He does have an ear that breaks out 2 or 3 times a year in the same place that appears to be Herpes, but never tested, (the sun seems to always bring it out). Should he have the ear tested the next outbreak?  The urologist did a scan for kidney stones and then a scope up through his uretha with no findings.  He is convinced he has Genital Herpes and is very distraught.  Any suggestions as to what the burning could be other that "guilt"?  He says the burning gets better some days but has never gone away at all, and some days the burning is worse.  He has cut out spicy foods alot of caffeine, anything that he thought could irritate this condition.  Please help with suggestions, he is really depressed.  Could depression be a cause? This has been going on for almost 10 months now.  Could it be a problem with his prostate and how could he find out?  Thank you in advance for your help.  Big Sister

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You can swab the ear lesions and send it for a culture or smear that can help with the diagnosis of herpes.

I would assume that the common causes of burning like STDs and infection have already been tested for.  

You can consider non-infectious causes such as a urethral polyp or stricture that can also lead to burning.  A cystoscopy would be the appropriate test to evaluate for these possibilities.

Your brother can discuss these options with your personal physician.

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

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