bladder/urethra burning

[LJ71]

For the last two months I have had burning sensation that feels like it starts at the opening at the urethra and continues towards the front of the pelvis, on the exterior part of the area.  I had been placed on Doxycycline for 21 days for what my OBGYN diagnosed as endometritis.  That did not take care of any of my symptoms.  He has performed a urine cultrure, but that came up negative.  I have tried to watch and see if diet affects it, but I haven't noticed any trend.  It is usally pretty constant, but I do have days that it is not as severe as others.  It also doesn't seem to bother me as much during the night.  I don't know what else to do, but this is very bothersome.  LJ

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

A burning sensation in the groin area may have a lot of differentials.These include an underlying infection (bacterial or fungal), a nerve related problem or neuralgia,vulvodynia probably secondary to a yeast infection, an allergic reaction and other unknown(idiopathic ) causes .

When was the last time you took antimicrobials? I suggest that a culture of  vaginal secretions be done as well as culture of any scales or flaking that may be visible on the skin (is this applicable?) may be necessary.

Use of antifungal agents, medical treatment ( use of neurologicals) and corticosteroids may help. Mostly, diagnosis is done through a complete medical history and physical examination as well as response to medications.

[LJ71]

Hi, thank you for your reply, I am very frustrated.
To answer your questions- I am sexually active, with just my husband!  Sex does not seem to have any affect on the symptoms.  I haven't had any previous surgeries, just 3 normal delivery pregnancies.  I don't seem to have any other urinary symptoms.  I do have some pressure in my pelvis which comes and goes.  I'm not waking up in the night any more than before to urinate, and usually I don't notice the pain as much during the night as I do during the day.  
I have looked up info on IC, but I don't feel like my symptoms fit that either.  My OBGYN suggested taking Vesicare for bladder spasms, but that doesn't seem to fit the symptoms either.  I am just not sure what I should do nest.  I trust my OBGYN totally, but I think he's running out of ideas for me!  Thank you for your help.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Urethral syndrome and chronic pelvic pain syndrome may present with groin pain and urinary symptoms in the absence of bacteria or in the presence of a negative urine culture result.

I suggest that you discuss this with your urologist.

I just have a few questions that are relevant to your condition:

Are you sexually active?

Have you been diagnosed with previous surgeries or instrumentations before?

Aside from the burning pain , are there other associated symptoms like increased urinary frequency or waking up at night to urinate?

Do keep us posted with your answers.

[emtd65]

LJ71,

You should consider seeing a unrologist. There are conditions such as you describe that do not present with positive urine cultures etc. I have Interstitial Cystits/Painful Bladder. The painful Urethra is one of the symptoms as well as the pain some doctors assume is Enodmetriosis. Here is a site which maybe helpful :

                http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/interstitialcystitis/

Christine