Differential Diagnosis for Urethral Burning after Ejaculation
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Prostatitis: This condition, which involves inflammation of the prostate gland, is a common cause of urethral burning after ejaculation. The prostate surrounds the urethra, and inflammation can cause irritation and burning sensations, especially during or after ejaculation.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, often due to infection, can cause burning sensations during or after ejaculation. This condition can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
- Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, a tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm, can cause pain and burning sensations, including after ejaculation.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While more common in women, men can also experience UTIs, which can cause burning sensations during urination and potentially after ejaculation if the infection involves the urethra.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Gonorrhea or Chlamydia: These sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause urethritis and epididymitis, leading to symptoms like urethral burning after ejaculation. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications, such as infertility.
- Tuberculosis (TB) of the Genitourinary Tract: Although rare, TB can affect the genitourinary system and cause a variety of symptoms, including urethral burning. Missing this diagnosis could lead to severe consequences due to the potential for TB to spread to other parts of the body.
- Rare diagnoses
- Reiter's Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis): A form of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to a bacterial infection in another part of the body, often the intestines or the urethra. It can cause urethritis, leading to burning sensations.
- Interstitial Cystitis: A condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. The symptoms can worsen with ejaculation in some cases, leading to urethral burning sensations.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the genitourinary system, potentially leading to symptoms like urethral burning.