Keep it Clean

Can't make a direct medical connection here. Washing the devices in warm soapy water should be adequate for the use they're put to. Generally for males, the urethra is long enough that urinary tract infections arising from bacteria being introduced into the external urethral opening is exceedingly rare. Due to females having a short urethra with a more direct reach to the urinary bladder it's different for them and they can develop a urinary tract infection in this manner.

Perhaps you simply happened to have a concomitant urinary and perhaps also prostate infection related to the same time frame. I can't imagine a tool washed clean in soapy warm water and rinsed transmitting an infection to the urinary tract in a male.

This is a bit of a conundrum. As Slimjm has said it is highly unlikely that bacteria would migrate on its own all the way from the perianal area into your urethra. If there has been some introduction of bacteria into your urinary tract it's more likely to have come by way of your hands, i.e. touching the Aneros after use and then touching your scrotum and penis. Odd part is, that non-venereal UTI's don't generally produce external itching such as you've described. Given the sequence of events I'm wondering if there might not be another factor involved, namely yeast. Yes, men get yeast infections and yes, it occurs far less often than in women, but men can contract this as well. Yeast (Candida) exists as a part of the normal flora of the skin. When certain factors (use of antibiotics, immunodeficiency) come into play, overgrowth takes place and it can spread quite rapidly producing itching and reddening of the skin.

With respect to washing your Aneros, I agree washing in soapy water should be sufficient. You might want to look at how you're storing it however. If it's a clean, dry place you're fine. If not, you may be picking up something there that's giving you a problem.

With respect the incidence of UTI's while it is true that it's rare in younger men, it is more common in men over 50. In the cases where bacteria is involved 85% of the time it's something enteric (fecal in origin). I assume that you're being treated by a physician for this and hopefully it will resolve very soon.

BF Mayfield

p.s. If you do have an overgrowth of Candida and you are on oral antibiotics, the external itching will get worse. If it does, discuss this with your doctor.

Yes, was going to add that, especially in a hot humid climate such as where I live, fungal infections about the peri-anal area are as easy to get as those in the scrotal and inner thighs area. I've noticed also that lubricating the anal area for Aneros usage seems to predispose me to get these more easily now in that region. Basic cleanliness and applying some chlortrimazole cream from time to time manages it just fine though.

Thanks guys that has cast some light on the condition, over the weekend when it really took hold I was out power boating on the sea, wearing wet suit and splash suit that can get very hot and sticky.

I've had similar experiences but on different occasions. I too live by the ocean and have several times gotten urinary tract infections that cause a burning sensation and frequent urge to go that doesn't stop even after you pee immediately after a day at the beach and peeing in the water. One time I even ha

Calmer,

Slimjim has brought up a good point, jock itch is a possibility, particularly for the warmer and more humid climates. Yeast is a different matter however, it can occur anywhere and while jock itch can be spread by contact, yeast is often communicable in a venereal sense. So you can pick it up from a partner and give it back to them as well. Again, your physician would have to determine this.

Since you mentioned it, one other thing that you might want to consider is your splash suit. It is possible to have a reaction to it. I'm sure that you've heard of people having allergies to latex? This may actually develop over time, with someone being asymptomatic for years. Latex allergy can produce a form of contact dermatitis that is red and very itchy. Just another wrinkle.

BF Mayfield

Thank you all for a thought provoking post and your comments.

I have been using various Aneros models for about 2 1/2 years now.
I always cleaned them with soap and water immediately after use
and have never had a problem.

just over 3 years ago I had an operation to remove a Hydrocele from my left testicle.
It had grown quite large over a number of years.

About 3 weeks ago I felt a lump on my right testicle.
Here we go again thinks I.

We went to the doctors yesterday.
As soon as he felt it he said it was not a Hydrocele.
He said it was the Epididymis.
It was inflamed possibly due to an infection.
Gave me some pills and come back next week.
So it is all condoms and no beer for a week.

It was not until I read the comment about yeast that I thought of a possible source.
I do not think it is the Aneros.
A more likely culprit would be my Fleshlight.
I live in a warm and humid climate.

Anyway I am booked into the hospital tomorrow for a battery of tests.
X ray, ecg , blood , urine et al.

The best place for yeast is in bread and beer making.

Keep it clean. Keep it safe.

Best wishes with the testing, Voyager. Epididymitis usually is bacterial is origin and I agree Aneros usage should have nothing to do with it. As to the warm humid climate, I also live in that type of climate and latex (e.g., in the elastic leg bands of briefs), sweat, and automobile/motorcycle/outdoor equipment riding is a great formula for acquiring ugly rashes in the nether regions. Cotton shorts, frequent showering, staying dry when possible, and various topical anti-fungals periodically applied seem to help.