Dilated urethra

Submitted by Sincera on July 7, 2013 - 8:14pm
Body: 

Hi, new here, first post. Posting here as I had an abd. hyst. in 2005. Past couples years I've been having increasingly frequent UTI's. I have IBS; hyperplastic dystrophy which is a precursor of sorts to Lichen Sclerosis and HSV2.

I just finished a round of antibiotics for bronchitis and developed itching that feels like a yeast infection. I have been out of town all week and when I got back home I took the mirror to have a look. While I didn't see signs of a yeast infection what I did see was alarming. My urethra is, for lack of a better word, gaping. I believe could put my pinky in it. As an RN I've seen many a urethra in women and I know this isn't normal. Plus I am familiar with my own anatomical quirks and this is a big change. Also, I am divorced and am not sexually active so idea if this would be an interference.

I've attributed the constant, dull achiness in my low abd area to the UTI's. But with this latest issue the first thing that came to mind was a cystocele or prolapse in the early phase. I've been gradually having increased issue with bladder control. Can't walk and cough at the same time; stress incont.; even once I thought I was finished urinating and as I bent over to pull up my pants urine ran down my leg. That was a shocker.

I don't want to have surgery. Seems it either doesn't work properly or there are eventual complications. That said my mom had a couple tie ups that served her fairly well for years.

Right now, I'm off work due to a back injury and don't know when I will be able to work again, if at all. So money is tight & I can't purchase the suggested media at this time. I am looking for feedback.

Is what I'm seeing sound familiar??

Thanks.

Forum:

Surviving60

July 8, 2013 - 5:03pm

Hi Sincera and welcome. I’ll try to make a few general statements here, while stating honestly that you have a few things going on that I have no direct experience with.

For the LS-related issues, definitely try the honey/vinegar regimen that Christine has written about at length. The best details are on the Vulva-Vaginal Health DVD, but if you put some search terms into the forum and blog search boxes, you will find information.

You may think you have the UTI’s licked at this point, but I think there’s a strong possibility that you aren’t emptying the bladder and urethra completely. Lift up and forward off the toilet seat to tip things into a better emptying position. Better still, get down on all fours in the shower and just relax and let the water flow over you, and let it all out – once a day at minimum.

Hysterectomy can be a contributing factor to prolapse, and without the round ligaments of the uterus to help keep the other organs held forward, you have some additional challenges where prolapse management is concerned. The Whole Woman posture is beneficial for every woman, not only for pelvic organ support, but for spine and hip health and function as we age. What’s going on with your back?

I do not know the significance of the “dilated” urethra. It may not seem normal compared to other urethras you have seen……but it is abnormal for you? I’m sure I’m in the minority on this forum full of women who are totally in touch with their vaginas….but I wouldn’t know a dilated urethra from any other kind.

Anyway – with any luck we will get some more opinions on here soon. - Surviving