Urethral trauma is a serious injury that damages the urethra, causing difficulty urinating, pain, and swelling. It is more common in men due to the longer and less protected urethra. Horse riding injuries and straddle injuries are common causes. Treatment options include medication, rest, and surgery.
Urethral trauma refers to a serious injury that damages or tears the urethra, the soft muscular tube that carries urine from the bladder to the genitals. Traumatic injuries are much more common in men than in women, as the male urethra is less protected and much longer. A person may have difficulty urinating, pain and swelling in the groin, and blood in the urine. It is important to visit a doctor when urethral trauma is suspected to receive a thorough examination and learn about the different treatment options. Most minor injuries heal with medication and rest, but severe trauma often requires surgery to repair tissue and prevent future complications.
The male urethra is about 6-8 inches long (about 15.25-20.3 centimeters). It is well protected near the bladder, but comes close to the skin surface at the perineum, the area between the genitals and tailbone. The urethra then extends through the penis, where it is also highly susceptible to injury. The female urethra is surrounded by muscle, fat, and bone tissue through most of its 1.57 inch (about 4 centimeter) path from the bladder to the vagina.
The majority of female trauma cases and a percentage of male accidents result from horse riding injuries. Straddle injuries occur when excessive pressure is placed on the perineum, such as can happen from falling over a fence or sitting too hard on a bicycle seat. Male trauma can also occur with a blunt force to the penis causing it to stretch or bend too much. Additionally, some cases of both male and female urethral trauma accompany pelvic fractures sustained in serious traffic accidents or very bad falls.
A person who has suffered urethral trauma can experience a variety of symptoms. The most common problem, especially in males, is a weakened urine stream and increased frequency of urination. A person may experience pain or burning sensations when urinating and may also notice traces of blood in the stream. There may also be pain, redness, and swelling of the perineum or genitals.
A urologist or emergency room doctor can usually diagnose the condition by asking about the causative accidents and inspecting the injury site. Blood and urine samples are collected and analyzed to check for bacterial infections. X-rays and endoscopic examinations are usually not necessary, but a doctor may decide to use them to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment for minor cases of urethral trauma involves resting and freezing the painful area, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and scheduling checkups with a urologist. If the urethra is significantly damaged, an endoscopic surgical procedure may be considered. A surgeon can drain the bladder with a catheter and then realign and suture the torn tissue. If you have pelvic fractures, you may need several additional reconstructive surgeries.
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