Urethral Burning

**heybrej** · 08-03-2004, 09:11 AM

This is a question that was asked to one of the IC doctors on this site-

(icnmgrjill) So.. let's dive into one more level. An IC patient has urethral burning that is persistent, but worsens during urination. They are negative for infection and the doctor suggests urethral dilations, as if there is a structural problem with the urethra. Correct if I'm wrong .. but aren't you saying that the burning is actually muscle contractions... or muscles that are so contracted that they don't have proper blood flow.. etc. etc.

WOW, this is so me. I am one of those ICers who doesnt have urgency or frequency. I will have bladder pain on occasion, but the majority of my pain comes from the urethra. There are times when I can actually feel is spasaming, causing a more intense pain. The discomfort I feel is not always painfull however, but sometimes irritating. I have to literally put pressure on the outside of my urethra (through my pants or underwear- not dirrectley on the skin. Eeep! Infection! :yikes: ). I find that when I put pressure on it, I cannot feel the pain as much.

Also, sometimes when I have the urethral irritation, it almost feels like arrousel! It does this to the point that I will bring myself to climax. When I climax, it feels like the "tension" on my urethra has been realeased. There are other times however when I believe that climaxing causes me pain the next day....

Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone else had these same issues (apparently they do, because the dr. talked about it!)

Oh and here is the link to that interview
http://www.ic-network.com/guestlectu...ranscript.html

**heybrej** · 08-03-2004, 09:13 AM

Oh, totally forgot-
Also, I have INTENSE buring when I urinate. When I have to defecate (and push), the buring gets worse and will cause me pain for hours after I am done! Urinating is so painfull sometimes, that I put it off until I know that I REALLY have to go...which I'm sure is not too good for the IC and bladder pain...

***ICNDonna*** · 08-03-2004, 12:38 PM

If you are having to strain for either bowel movements or to urinate, that could be a lot of your problem. I do suggest you discuss this with your doctor. There are some simple things you can do to help with this. Since I had rectocele surgery several years ago, I have had to take a stool softener to help prevent constipation --- an essential since I don't want to have to redo the surgery. I also take fiber supplements, as recommended by my physician.

These aren't things you should do on your own, but I do think your doctor will be able to help with your problem.

Sending encouraging hugs,
Donna