What is urethral erosion?
Erosion (tearing) of the urethra, primarily the urinary meatus, occurs in individuals who have had indwelling catheters for a long period of time. This erosion is usually secondary to catheter tension on the distal urethra at the meatus.
How do you treat damage to the urethra?
The treatment for urethral trauma depends on where and how bad the injury is. Many cases of anterior urethral injury need to be fixed right away with surgery. Minor of these injuries can be treated with a catheter through the urethra into the bladder. This keeps urine from touching the urethra so it can mend.
Can a damaged urethra heal itself?
Rarely, urethral tears heal without surgery. Treatment helps to prevent some complications of urethral injuries. Complications that cannot be prevented are treated accordingly.
What causes urethral erosion?
Indwelling urinary catheters have been described as a cause of urethral erosion. In men, the resultant partial-thickness or full-thickness wound can involve a small area of the glans penis or cleave the glans or penile shaft, requiring reconstructive surgery or urinary diversion.
How long does it take for your urethra to heal after catheter?
After dilation, your urethra may be sore at first. It may burn when you urinate. You may feel the need to urinate more often, and you may have some blood in your urine. These symptoms should get better in 1 or 2 days.
What are the complications of urethral catheterization?
Complications of catheter use include:
- Allergy or sensitivity to latex.
- Bladder stones.
- Blood infections (septicemia)
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Kidney damage (usually only with long-term, indwelling catheter use)
- Urethral injury.
- Urinary tract or kidney infections.
How do you cleanse your urethra?
Cleanse your genitals before and after sex: Warm water and a plain, mild soap will generally do the trick. Avoid harsh cleansers or scented soaps, which can cause inflammation of the urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body).