Urethral prolapse or caruncle

Overview

A caruncle is a small, soft, red growth at the urethra opening, most often in women after menopause. Prolapse is more common in young girls.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Red bump at the urethra
• Red, donut-shaped bump at the urine opening

Less common

• Spotting
• Pain with peeing

Look up a symptom: Burning when urinating · Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in urine) · Red, donut-shaped bump at the urine opening

When to get medical care

Causes

Low estrogen.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Girls before puberty: Urethral prolapse is most common then
• Women after menopause: Caruncles are most common then

Possible complications

• Bleeding: The tissue can bleed easily
• Urinary tract infection (UTI): Swelling can make it harder to empty the bladder

Diagnosis

Exam.

Treatment

Care.

Self-care

• Sitz baths
• Use estrogen cream if prescribed
• Avoid tight underwear
• Take sitz baths

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Use vaginal estrogen if advised after menopause

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a urologist (urinary tract doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Young girls: Prolapse often improves with sitz baths and cream.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Usually harmless and treatable.

Most heal with creams.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Does it need to be removed?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Urethral prolapse or caruncle