Summary about Disease
Urethral prolapse is a condition where the inner lining of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) protrudes through the urethral opening. It appears as a small, reddish, donut-shaped mass at the external urethral opening, primarily affecting young girls before puberty and postmenopausal women.
Symptoms
Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Pain or discomfort in the vulva
Irritation of the prolapsed tissue
Difficulty urinating (dysuria)
Feeling a bulge or mass at the urethral opening
Pain during urination (less common)
Asymptomatic (some individuals may have no symptoms)
Causes
The exact cause is not always clear, but contributing factors include:
Increased abdominal pressure (e.g., chronic coughing, straining during bowel movements)
Weakening of the tissues supporting the urethra (especially in postmenopausal women due to decreased estrogen)
Congenital weakness of the urethral support structures (especially in young girls)
History of recurrent urinary tract infections
Trauma
Medicine Used
Topical Estrogen Cream: Used primarily in postmenopausal women to strengthen the tissues supporting the urethra.
Antibiotics: Prescribed if a urinary tract infection is present.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication to manage discomfort.
Sitz baths: Warm water sitz baths can help soothe the area and reduce inflammation.
Is Communicable
No, urethral prolapse is not communicable. It is not an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Avoid straining during bowel movements (increase fiber intake).
Treat chronic coughs to reduce abdominal pressure.
Maintain good hygiene to prevent urinary tract infections.
Postmenopausal women: Discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options with your doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
There isn't an "outbreak" in the traditional sense because urethral prolapse isn't an infection. If left untreated, the prolapse can persist indefinitely, leading to chronic symptoms. Treatment duration depends on the severity of the prolapse and the chosen method (e.g., topical estrogen therapy may take several weeks to show improvement; surgery offers immediate correction but requires recovery time).
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: A doctor can usually diagnose urethral prolapse by visually examining the vulva and urethral opening.
Medical History: The doctor will ask about symptoms, medical history, and any contributing factors.
Urinalysis: To rule out urinary tract infection.
Cystoscopy: In some cases, a cystoscopy (a procedure where a small camera is inserted into the urethra and bladder) may be performed to evaluate the urethra and bladder more closely.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset of symptoms can vary.
Sudden Onset: In some cases, the prolapse may appear suddenly, especially after straining or trauma.
Gradual Onset: In other cases, the prolapse may develop gradually over time, with symptoms becoming more noticeable as the prolapse worsens.
Symptoms may initially be mild and intermittent, becoming more constant and severe if the prolapse is not addressed.
Important Considerations
Urethral prolapse can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, such as urethral caruncle or urethral cancer. Therefore, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor.
While often not life-threatening, urethral prolapse can significantly affect quality of life due to pain, bleeding, and urinary difficulties.
Surgical repair may be necessary for severe cases or when conservative treatments are ineffective.
Follow-up care is important after treatment to monitor for recurrence.