I also have had many years of the same problems with urethra pain going from dr. to dr. to specialists without any results. I was in getting some physo on my knees and told the girl working on them about all these years of pain in the pelvic floor and she said I should see a physotherapist that deals with "Pelvic Floor Dysfunction". So long story short,I did go see someone and I've had a lot less pain and I'm feeling very possitive that my problem is my muscle around my urethra. They are over toned from being stressed and not being able to relax them fully, and that has caused the urethra to be irritated and sore. Please give it a try if you can or google pelvic floor dysfunction and read up on it. good luck with anything you might try!! LETS TELL OPRAH THAT SHE NEEDS TO DO A SHOW ON THIS BEFORE SHE LEAVES T.V. IF ANYONE CAN GET THIS WORKED ON SHE CAN!!!
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hi, I had the same symptoms as all of you have outlined above, and after reading this I went to my doctor immediately. have any of you tried treatments for thrush? I know it sounds strange but it can cause burning during urination, constant vulval pain (which many mistake for urethral) and all the antibiotics you have been prescribed can cause it to develop. also, the lady who said the pill helped- changes in hormone balances can affect thrush. it certainly cleared up the issue for me, including pain during intercourse. just a thought - it can't hurt to try can it? xx
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I've had same pain, seems like it comes from the urethral area, like up in there. Been to urologist and gynecologist, had uti tests (no infection), had cystoscopy (OUCH), bladder and inside urethra look ok, had pelvic ultrasound (looks fine), tried so many antibiotics (but how can they help if there is no infection), tried pain meds (tramadol, pyridium, prosed, naproxen), nothing helps. Gynecologist thought maybe my uterus was falling, tried a pessary (YUCK), didn't help. I gave up on those drs. and went to my general practice dr. - he sent me to Loyola, Maywood, IL to a urogynecologist, within 15 minutes, she decided it was probably myofascial pelvic pain - where the muscles of the pelvic floor are weakening or not working right. This new dr. also sent me to Kirk Center for Healthy Living to a therapist who specializes in pelvic pain. Check out their website, maybe they can refer you to someone near you. . I went for my 1st session today - found out my hips are not aligned evenly, which causes all of my pelvic muscles to be moved slightly, and also my pelvic muscles spend most of the time contracting and not relaxing. Therapy will consist of 12 sessions (once a week) getting the muscles to relax so they are not squeezing my urethra on the inside and making it hurt so bad. Hope this helps. And in 3 months I hope I'm cured of this pain. Life hasn't been very pleasant since this started 5 months ago for me or my husband or my kids!!
***edited by moderator*** web addresses not allowed
***edited by moderator*** web addresses not allowed
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I have to agree with the other posts here... thank goodness I found this thread.
I'm writing this with a hot water bottle against my bladder. I've been experiencing urinary tract infections for about 8 years. They used to come on very quickly, drive me insane for 6-8 hours with pain, burning and frequency, and then die down enough for me to continue with my day.
Now the last 3 urinary cultures that have been taken have been negative for infection, so I got an ultrasound, a CT and a costly visit to a urologist. I have a uterocycle that's left over from when I was in utero, but apparently that shouldn't cause my symptoms.
Now, almost every night and some mornings I experience burning, pressure, shooting pain in my urethral area and a pain on the left side of my bladder after I urinate. If things get really bad it progresses into an intense spasming pain that seems to shoot up my abdomen and make me want to vomit.
I was incredibly disheartened when the urologist said she had no idea why I had lower urinary tract symptoms, but no infection... and just to keep going about my business until I get another one.
I'm getting close to the end of my rope. It's got to the point that if I feel a 'twinge' while I'm at work, I deterioate so fast into a pain filled mess I have to drop everything I'm doing and go home.
I want to know what's going on, and why I have more constant pain the older I get. It's ruining my sex life, I can barely drink alcohol (even 2 glasses of wine), I'm terrified that I'll be caught out somewhere and get an attack, and I feel guilty for the days I have to have off work.
I have to say though, I'm glad I'm not alone.
I'm writing this with a hot water bottle against my bladder. I've been experiencing urinary tract infections for about 8 years. They used to come on very quickly, drive me insane for 6-8 hours with pain, burning and frequency, and then die down enough for me to continue with my day.
Now the last 3 urinary cultures that have been taken have been negative for infection, so I got an ultrasound, a CT and a costly visit to a urologist. I have a uterocycle that's left over from when I was in utero, but apparently that shouldn't cause my symptoms.
Now, almost every night and some mornings I experience burning, pressure, shooting pain in my urethral area and a pain on the left side of my bladder after I urinate. If things get really bad it progresses into an intense spasming pain that seems to shoot up my abdomen and make me want to vomit.
I was incredibly disheartened when the urologist said she had no idea why I had lower urinary tract symptoms, but no infection... and just to keep going about my business until I get another one.
I'm getting close to the end of my rope. It's got to the point that if I feel a 'twinge' while I'm at work, I deterioate so fast into a pain filled mess I have to drop everything I'm doing and go home.
I want to know what's going on, and why I have more constant pain the older I get. It's ruining my sex life, I can barely drink alcohol (even 2 glasses of wine), I'm terrified that I'll be caught out somewhere and get an attack, and I feel guilty for the days I have to have off work.
I have to say though, I'm glad I'm not alone.
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I think I have a similar myofascial pain problem. I developed urethra and vulva pain 8 months ago. Although I have often experienced urethral pain on and off. Did anyone have issues with a cystoscopy? I'm currently exploring the urethral problems with a urologist and she wants to do a flexible cystoscopy while I'm awake. I'm terrified and starting to think it's a bad idea. Any advice would be great :-)
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Just stop it, just stop.
I am a man this problem is not confined to you women despite what you seem to think.
I'm 29, had a UTI, and after treatment symptoms seemed to clear, then shortly there-after returned. I call this GHOSTING because it was like having the UTI but with no real cause.
Stress definitely plays a factor, but I feel it merely lowers resistance to the ever present pain so you finally notice it.
IC sucks and is not fun, this is IC. Those of you who think you're cured lookout because symptoms waver and you can bet they'll return one day. Thinking you cured yourselves is silly when the disease is IC. Numbing agents, not drinking cranberry juice (it makes the condition worse not better, you don't have UTI so why would it help come on!) and avoiding stress all can help. Cystex supposedly works but you shouldn't take that sort of thing all the time it can damage your liver, and since symptoms are random mostly you can never be sure of when you'll need it therefore making it quite useless.
Maybe tea tree oil works, can't say, haven't tried it just yet but may. I can tell you massive amounts of water seem to be the only real relief, and avoiding carbonated drinks (for whatever ungodly reason). Good luck but stop acting like it's only women who have this I'm tired of it + Urinary Specialists (whom I call idiotic for acting so shocked).
I am a man this problem is not confined to you women despite what you seem to think.
I'm 29, had a UTI, and after treatment symptoms seemed to clear, then shortly there-after returned. I call this GHOSTING because it was like having the UTI but with no real cause.
Stress definitely plays a factor, but I feel it merely lowers resistance to the ever present pain so you finally notice it.
IC sucks and is not fun, this is IC. Those of you who think you're cured lookout because symptoms waver and you can bet they'll return one day. Thinking you cured yourselves is silly when the disease is IC. Numbing agents, not drinking cranberry juice (it makes the condition worse not better, you don't have UTI so why would it help come on!) and avoiding stress all can help. Cystex supposedly works but you shouldn't take that sort of thing all the time it can damage your liver, and since symptoms are random mostly you can never be sure of when you'll need it therefore making it quite useless.
Maybe tea tree oil works, can't say, haven't tried it just yet but may. I can tell you massive amounts of water seem to be the only real relief, and avoiding carbonated drinks (for whatever ungodly reason). Good luck but stop acting like it's only women who have this I'm tired of it + Urinary Specialists (whom I call idiotic for acting so shocked).
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I don't think anyone on this thread is acting like it's just a problem that happens to women.
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**** I believe your on to something, I also have been through the spec. that you have and all the Rx. I did go see a pelvic floor spec. and had great results. She helped alot.Now that my muscles are not so tense i'm wondering how to strenghten them without messing them up and creating alot of pain.Please keep me posted on your recovery. ,Jo****
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I am 19 years old and have suffered from chronic pelvic pain for over a year now. My pain is not just related to my Urethra although i believe thats where the most pain is, it is also around my vulvar (vestibulitis) The pain is there 24/7 although it varies, usually a lot more painful when there is less water in my system, i have been on a low dosage anti-deppresent Endep for about a year now, to help with any nerve damage i dont believe it helps but am far to scared to come off it incase my condition worsens. I have also been told a low-oxalte diet can help with symptoms along with calcium citrate. I have had numerous different urine tests done, been tested for every STI, Thrush and everything has come back negative. I also had a exploratory, with everything normal. My internal ultrasound showed my uterus was prolapsed but nothing serious. I have been seeing a specialist who has done bio feedback with me as he believes its all to do with muscles and tension, i then started on dilators and made the decision to spend over 2 grand to get trigger pointing done, i have only been back home for a day and i am in absolute agony, i have been relaxing in a bath since, i was not supposed to come back in pain so i dont know where we went wrong. I felt after the 4th day of trigger pointing the bladder/urethra was a lot less sensitive but i have flared up with something else so its hard to tell if it has actually worked. It has worked for hundreds of woman so i suggest you try i was just the unlucky one that it didnt help to much! They say that woman who have this condition are prone to anxiety. Are many of you stressful or anxious people? Try focusing on your breathing..stomach breathing and NOT chest breathing and focus on relaxing the pelvic muscle like you are ready to open your bowels. Try testing to see how much tension you hold in your legs. Alot of you will realise when you take notice you are clenching with your pelvic muscles. Try looking up ***edited by moderator*** web addresses not allowed and ***edited by moderator*** web addresses not allowed
I am ready to give up as i just cant handle the pain, i dont know how the woman out there who have children to look after do it. I haven't been able to work for a year and am stuck at home most days due to pain. It is truly crippling and extremely depressing thinking it will never go away. We need to all work together to work out what this is! I really feel for you all and hope that you all stay strong and keep posted with your progress.
:) Danielle.
I am ready to give up as i just cant handle the pain, i dont know how the woman out there who have children to look after do it. I haven't been able to work for a year and am stuck at home most days due to pain. It is truly crippling and extremely depressing thinking it will never go away. We need to all work together to work out what this is! I really feel for you all and hope that you all stay strong and keep posted with your progress.
:) Danielle.
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THERE IS A CURE! I had the same condition for 30 years - burning pain in the urethra with no infection. Urologists told me I had urethral syndrome.
CAUSE OF PAIN:
Through continuous monitoring of my urine pH and pain levels over a two month period and regular monitoring for an additional year, I discovered that acidic urine (pH of 4 to 6) is associated with burning pain in the urethra (urethral syndrome or non-specific urethritis). Urine that is neutral (pH of 7) or alkaline (pH greater than 7) is not painful. It is easy to measure your own urine pH with the use of pH test paper.
Note that it is possible to have acidic urine for a short period of time without experiencing pain. However, if the urine stays acid for any length of time, it becomes painful. As an experiment, we deliberately 'crashed' my husband's urine pH through diet and maintained it at acidic levels. He does not have urethral syndrome. On the ninth day of the acid-forming diet, he experienced burning pain in the urethra. .
HOW TO STOP THE PAIN:
I have found it relatively easy to eliminate the pain of urethral syndrome/non-specific urethritis primarily through mineral supplements and secondarily through diet. Taking mineral supplements of calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, potassium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate makes the urine more alkaline and eliminates the pain of urethral syndrome.
Each day I take a total of:
* 1000 mg of calcium carbonate or calcium citrate
* 500 mg of magnesium oxide
* 1000 mg of potassium bicarbonate or potassium citrate
* 1400 mg of sodium bicarbonate (1/4 teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water)
I split this daily dose up and take a portion with each meal (breakfast, lunch and supper). Using this regime I have been PAIN-FREE since the summer of 2008.
The above amounts are all within the recommended daily allowances for adults. These mineral supplements are inexpensive and are widely available at pharmacies and health food stores.
IMPORTANT: Potassium must NOT be taken in high doses because this could affect the functioning of the heart even in a healthy person. If you have a heart condition, do not take ANY potassium supplement without first consulting your physician.
IMPORTANT: Do not take baking soda if a doctor has put you on a sodium-restricted diet.
IMPORTANT: Potassium chloride has no beneficial effect on urine pH because the chloride component is acid-forming. So the chloride cancels out the alkalinizing effect of the potassium. The same is true for sodium chloride (table salt).
DIET
FOODS THAT REDUCE THE PAIN OF URETHRAL SYNDROME:
Foods that are alkalinizing to the body (and urine) include most fruits and vegetables, especially potatoes (white and sweet), spinach, bananas, and raisins.
FOODS THAT INCREASE THE PAIN OF URETHRAL SYNDROME:
The acid-forming substances in food include all proteins and the minerals chloride and phosphorous. Acid-forming foods include meats, grains, beans and cheese due to their high protein content.
FOODS THAT ARE NEUTRAL:
Some foods do not significantly impact the acid-alkaline balance in the body. Sugar and oils and fats are neutral and milk, ice cream, yogurt and table salt are very close to neutral.
My diet is not overly strict and with a small effort I am pain-free. I eat potatoes instead of pasta or rice, take smaller portions of protein foods (meat/chicken/fish/beans/grains), eat a banana or two each day and snack on raisins, fruit and raw carrots - otherwise I eat pretty much what I want.
I cannot control my symptoms through food alone - I tried. I must take mineral supplements.
I built a (non-profit) website that explains all of this in detail. Write me for the url since it probably is not allowed to post it here. My email is ***this post is edited by moderator *** *** private e-mails not allowed **
Please read our Terms of Use
Theresa : )
CAUSE OF PAIN:
Through continuous monitoring of my urine pH and pain levels over a two month period and regular monitoring for an additional year, I discovered that acidic urine (pH of 4 to 6) is associated with burning pain in the urethra (urethral syndrome or non-specific urethritis). Urine that is neutral (pH of 7) or alkaline (pH greater than 7) is not painful. It is easy to measure your own urine pH with the use of pH test paper.
Note that it is possible to have acidic urine for a short period of time without experiencing pain. However, if the urine stays acid for any length of time, it becomes painful. As an experiment, we deliberately 'crashed' my husband's urine pH through diet and maintained it at acidic levels. He does not have urethral syndrome. On the ninth day of the acid-forming diet, he experienced burning pain in the urethra. .
HOW TO STOP THE PAIN:
I have found it relatively easy to eliminate the pain of urethral syndrome/non-specific urethritis primarily through mineral supplements and secondarily through diet. Taking mineral supplements of calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, potassium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate makes the urine more alkaline and eliminates the pain of urethral syndrome.
Each day I take a total of:
* 1000 mg of calcium carbonate or calcium citrate
* 500 mg of magnesium oxide
* 1000 mg of potassium bicarbonate or potassium citrate
* 1400 mg of sodium bicarbonate (1/4 teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water)
I split this daily dose up and take a portion with each meal (breakfast, lunch and supper). Using this regime I have been PAIN-FREE since the summer of 2008.
The above amounts are all within the recommended daily allowances for adults. These mineral supplements are inexpensive and are widely available at pharmacies and health food stores.
IMPORTANT: Potassium must NOT be taken in high doses because this could affect the functioning of the heart even in a healthy person. If you have a heart condition, do not take ANY potassium supplement without first consulting your physician.
IMPORTANT: Do not take baking soda if a doctor has put you on a sodium-restricted diet.
IMPORTANT: Potassium chloride has no beneficial effect on urine pH because the chloride component is acid-forming. So the chloride cancels out the alkalinizing effect of the potassium. The same is true for sodium chloride (table salt).
DIET
FOODS THAT REDUCE THE PAIN OF URETHRAL SYNDROME:
Foods that are alkalinizing to the body (and urine) include most fruits and vegetables, especially potatoes (white and sweet), spinach, bananas, and raisins.
FOODS THAT INCREASE THE PAIN OF URETHRAL SYNDROME:
The acid-forming substances in food include all proteins and the minerals chloride and phosphorous. Acid-forming foods include meats, grains, beans and cheese due to their high protein content.
FOODS THAT ARE NEUTRAL:
Some foods do not significantly impact the acid-alkaline balance in the body. Sugar and oils and fats are neutral and milk, ice cream, yogurt and table salt are very close to neutral.
My diet is not overly strict and with a small effort I am pain-free. I eat potatoes instead of pasta or rice, take smaller portions of protein foods (meat/chicken/fish/beans/grains), eat a banana or two each day and snack on raisins, fruit and raw carrots - otherwise I eat pretty much what I want.
I cannot control my symptoms through food alone - I tried. I must take mineral supplements.
I built a (non-profit) website that explains all of this in detail. Write me for the url since it probably is not allowed to post it here. My email is ***this post is edited by moderator *** *** private e-mails not allowed **
Please read our Terms of Use
Theresa : )
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I first posted back in May, 2010 as IT HURTS DOWN THERE. New info. today after 12 sessions of urogynecological therapy. Pelvic pain is ok to deal with 5 out of 7 days a week as long as I see my therapist once a week. Saw a new dr. today-dr john white in niles, IL. said check into "nutcracker syndrome" and I am scheduled for a venogram to confirm. Once I get back to being able to post as IT HURTS DOWN THERE, I'll add more. Good Luck Ladies!
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jpp wrote:
Hi Jo**** I've been trying to get back on the site, having a little trouble though. It's me "IT HURTS DOWN THERE." Update, 12 weeks/sessions of therapy; was doing well as long as I saw my therapist once a week; went on vacation with husband and 4 kids to Michigan first week of July and missed my session, woke up at 3 am in terrible pain, couldn't get my dr. back home to call in a script because she was out of the country, sat in bed the last 3 days of vacation while my husband took kids to the beaches and water parks. Got back to therapy but still have excruciating pain at least 4 days a week. Like starting all over. Saw a new doc today; Dr. John White, Niles, IL. Said pain could be from "nutcracker syndrome" check it out on web. I am going for a venogram soon to confirm - help if it is nutcracker syndrome includes surgery with stents. Will let you know how it goes. Good Luck and Hang in There (we have no other choice, right?)
IT HURTS DOWN THERE wrote:
I've had same pain, seems like it comes from the urethral area, like up in there. Been to urologist and gynecologist, had uti tests (no infection), had cystoscopy (OUCH), bladder and inside urethra look ok, had pelvic ultrasound (looks fine), tried so many antibiotics (but how can they help if there is no infection), tried pain meds (tramadol, pyridium, prosed, naproxen), nothing helps. Gynecologist thought maybe my uterus was falling, tried a pessary (YUCK), didn't help. I gave up on those drs. and went to my general practice dr. - he sent me to Loyola, Maywood, IL to a urogynecologist, within 15 minutes, she decided it was probably myofascial pelvic pain - where the muscles of the pelvic floor are weakening or not working right. This new dr. also sent me to Kirk Center for Healthy Living to a therapist who specializes in pelvic pain. Check out their website, maybe they can refer you to someone near you. . I went for my 1st session today - found out my hips are not aligned evenly, which causes all of my pelvic muscles to be moved slightly, and also my pelvic muscles spend most of the time contracting and not relaxing. Therapy will consist of 12 sessions (once a week) getting the muscles to relax so they are not squeezing my urethra on the inside and making it hurt so bad. Hope this helps. And in 3 months I hope I'm cured of this pain. Life hasn't been very pleasant since this started 5 months ago for me or my husband or my kids!!
***edited by moderator*** web addresses not allowed
**** I believe your on to something, I also have been through the spec. that you have and all the Rx. I did go see a pelvic floor spec. and had great results. She helped alot.Now that my muscles are not so tense i'm wondering how to strenghten them without messing them up and creating alot of pain.Please keep me posted on your recovery. ,Jo****
Hi Jo**** I've been trying to get back on the site, having a little trouble though. It's me "IT HURTS DOWN THERE." Update, 12 weeks/sessions of therapy; was doing well as long as I saw my therapist once a week; went on vacation with husband and 4 kids to Michigan first week of July and missed my session, woke up at 3 am in terrible pain, couldn't get my dr. back home to call in a script because she was out of the country, sat in bed the last 3 days of vacation while my husband took kids to the beaches and water parks. Got back to therapy but still have excruciating pain at least 4 days a week. Like starting all over. Saw a new doc today; Dr. John White, Niles, IL. Said pain could be from "nutcracker syndrome" check it out on web. I am going for a venogram soon to confirm - help if it is nutcracker syndrome includes surgery with stents. Will let you know how it goes. Good Luck and Hang in There (we have no other choice, right?)
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