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Urethritis for Pediatric Males

What is Urethritis?

This is an irritation of the urethra.  It is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.  Symptoms most often show up before puberty.  They can include any of the items in the list below.

  • Pain or burning when the bladder is emptied.
  • Feeling like you have to empty the bladder often and right away.
  • Passing clear urine but having blood at the end of the urine stream or when you wipe.
  • Blood spots in your underwear.
  • Tender, red, swollen tip of the penis.

 

These symptoms appear off and on over years.  They may occur for days to weeks at a time.

 

For severe symptoms, you should seek medical help.

  • Severe pain when passing urine.
  • Abdominal or back pain.

 

What causes Urethritis?

There are many reasons for this problem.

  • Some bacteria may cause the problem, but this is rare.  These are also common bacteria found in Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
  • Rarely, there are structural reasons, such as a narrowed urethra.
  • Those who self catheterize on a daily basis.
  • Any recent groin injury.
  • Uncircumcised boys.
  • Chronic constipation issues, straining or daily hard stools.

 

Most of the time, it occurs without any known cause.

 

What is the Treatment?

  • Test for UTI to rule out an active infection.  Antibiotics will be ordered if needed.
  • Take anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, Motrin®, or Advil®.
  • Circumcise if advised by your doctor.
  • Watch your bowel habits to have a soft daily bowel movement, without straining.
  • If you have symptoms that don’t go away, your doctor may advise further testing for other problems.

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 07/23/2009

Copyright © 03/31/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6769

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