Reoccuring Urethritis...WHY?

About 3 weeks ago I had a small Urethritis infection (Burns when I pee), my doctor though it was an adverse reaction to the spermicidal condom I used 2 days before. I took the anitbiotic and in about 5 days I was fine. Now 3 weeks have passed and the infection came back. I did use regular condoms about a week before and didn't have any reaction. My doctor doesn't know why it came back, so I went for some blood tests and I'm waiting right now. My doctor doesn't think this is Herpes because it went away with antibiotic treatment the first time. The girl I was with did not have Chlymadia and Gonnorhea (Gonorrhea). I do have jock itch and I started to use Lotrizone cream for it from my doctor. Could this cause my Urethritis? Do you think it is an STD (Herpes) even though Chlyamdia and Gonorhea have been ruled out and there are no sores at all? What are the causes of Urethritis in men (I am 29 years old)? I just want to prevent this from happening again. My doctor also mentioned Reiter's Syndrome. I do have conjuctivitis alot but never arthritis, could this be possible? I need some info cause I am scared it is something serious.....

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It would be unlikely that the lotrisone cream would have led to urethritis.  

STD is possible.  If the urethral swabs come back negative, you can consider evaluation of the prostate - which can lead to the symptoms.  A thorough digital rectal exam can be considered, and any fluid expressed can be sent off for analysis and culture.  You can also consider a transrectal ultrasound to image the prostate.  

Regarding Reiter's syndrome - this is a rheumatological disease that is associated with urethritis, conjunctivitis and arthritis.  One test that may be suggestive would be an HLA-B27 tested via the blood.  

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 patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Jamie1023]

A related discussion, Urethral Syndrome was started.