Itching in urethra

[uv244d]

Hi, Im a 23 year old male. Recently I have had a problem where I had itching at the base of my penis on the inside of the urethra. I have been tested for every std known to man and was negative for everything. My first doctor gave me Bactrim, which suppressed the symptoms but then returned afterwards.

My second doctor put me on Ciprofloxacin for who knows, another infection of some type? Same thing, went away during it but came back again.

I was then referred to a urologist who despite the std tests insisted it was chlamydia. He prescribed me to Doxycycline for 10 days which helped while I was on it and soon returned (again) afterwards.

I went back to my urologist yesterday to tell him this. He examined my urine under a microscope and basically said that there is nothing wrong with me, that I'm totally clean, and prescribed me some sort of anti-inflammatory pain killers with many refills, as to say that "this will not go away so just take pain meds".

I'm really upset about this. It's really bothersome, especially after ejaculation, it's very itchy then.

This cannot be normal, and I don't want to take pain meds everyday. Especially if "nothing is wrong with me".

I personally feel (from researching online) that it is urethritis or a prostate issue, but I'm no expert obviously.

Thanks so much in advance...

[shudnthave]

A related discussion, Urethral Itch and Prostate symptoms was started.

[Gerard3906]

IThe Itch is also on my penis and scrotum, no rashes or lessions..

[Gerard3906]

I have almost the same exact thing except I also have itching after I pee or before. My Doctor suggest I have a Bacterial Infection. I've also had the STD cultures and HSV 1& 2 IgG test done all negative. I've also had a digital prostate exam, everything suggest normal I don't know what the hell to do...

[ranidf]

I have a similar problem.
Do your symptoms become worse after ejaculation?

You may do many things :
1) Urinalysis - check for high WBC and/or RBC count which may indicate infection; check Ph (if it's lower than 6.0 it's indication of too acidic urine and potential of uric acid stones in kidney).

2) Make ultrasound of KUB (Kidney/Ureter/Bladder) for cysts and/or stones.

3) Make ultrasound of Scrotum/Prostate to detect any abnormalities (for example cysts, enlarged prostate).

Put attention that every anti-biotic you have taken reduced your symptoms for a while. Therefore it could be a bacterial infection with a resistant bacteria (or worse encapsulated bacteria). Try to obtain more powerful anti-biotics like gatifloxacin for example and maybe try to make a "cocktail" of two different powerful antibiotics of different classes. (Consult your doctor as to which antibiotics you could combine, don't do self-medication).

If you have more questions try to find my website by my name: Ran Trilessky and get my e-mail there.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with testing for various forms of infection.  A urethral swab as well as appropriate urine tests can evaluate for gonorrhea and chlamydia.  

I would also test for prostate infection, which can lead to the symptoms.  A digital rectal exam as well as a prostatic massage can be done.  Any fluid that is expressed can be sent off for analysis and culture.

Finally, a cystoscopy can be done for a more comprehensive evaluation of the lower GU tract.

These options can be discussed 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 patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com