painful urination and a mildew smell when peeing?

[sadgrad]

I have a strange question, but here it goes:  A few weeks ago, I was masturbating with the aid of an old Speedo swimsuit.  Shortly after that, I started having a burning feeling in my penis when I pee, and moreover, I noticed something odd:   I thought I could smell a mildew smell when I peed!  Is it possible that mildew from the swimsuit went into my urethra and gave me an infection there?  Maybe I was simply smelling the mildew left over from drying off on a mildewy towel?

Anyway, my own G.P. tested my urine and there weren't more than average white blood cells, so he doesn't think I have a bacterial urniary tract infection.  He diagnosed me with prostatitis about two years ago, and he thinks this is the diagnosis.  I just started taking a sulfa antibiotic, which may hopefully help the symptoms-- the tip of my penis hurts a lot and it burns when I urinate.  By the way--I'm not having sex with anyone right now-- not for about 4 years.

Thanks for any help you could give me.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Infection certainly needs to be ruled out.  In addition to the urinalysis, you can consider a urine test or urethral swab for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

I agree with prostatitis being a possibility.  Sometimes extended courses of antibiotics needs to be considered if the symptoms are not improving.  

Prostatic massage to express prostatic fluid can be done and sent for analysis and culture.

You can consider a transrectal ultrasound to evaluate for the possibility of any abscesses.

You can discuss these options with your personal physician or in conjunction with a urology referral.

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:
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