Urethral foreign body insertion for symptom relief: a case report

Urethral foreign body insertion is a rare and challenging clinical condition often associated with significant morbidity. Previous reports have highlighted motivations such as sexual gratification or psychiatric disorders. However, this case report uniquely focuses on a less-discussed motivation: the alleviation of physical discomfort from prior trauma.

A 64 year-old Han male patient presented to the emergency department with urinary retention and dysuria. He had inserted magnetic beads into his urethra to relieve perineal discomfort caused by prior trauma. After being unable to remove the beads using his usual method, he sought medical assistance. A multidisciplinary approach involving urologists, psychologists, and acupuncturists was employed. The beads were successfully removed through endoscopic procedures and a suprapubic bladder incision. The patient also received acupuncture for pain relief and psychological counseling to address underlying motivations and develop healthier coping strategies.

This case emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive and empathetic approach to managing urethral foreign body cases, considering each patient's unique circumstances and motivations. It also underscores the risks of self-treatment on the basis of unverified online information, particularly in vulnerable populations. Further research and education are needed to address the impact of online misinformation on self-treatment behaviors and to develop more effective interventions for at-risk individuals.