Question: I am 57 years old and have suffered with a burning sensation just in front of my urethra for several months now. It is often eased when I urinate. Immediately prior to this I had cystitis for a couple of months but I no longer have a burning bladder or urethra. I have it most days. It did make me agoraphobic because as soon as I went out the stress and fear seemed to flare it up and I would dash back to my toilet. I went to my doctor who said I had atrophy and I have been using estrogen cream for three weeks now. The burning and incidence are definitely less, but I continue to be confused as to why urinating helps when I would expect it to be the other way round. Since using the cream I have noticed that occasionally the area and entrance to my urethra seem to throb rather than burn. Last week I went all day without a drink and a tiny drop of very strong urine leaked out and burned me. The stinging lasted all day. If I touch the area it also stings. I do suffer from urge incontinence sometimes. At the moment the burning wakes me. I urinate and then continue to sting for about an hour or so, although sometimes for longer. I had a vaginal swab which showed no pathogens were present.

I don't have any urinary symptoms except occasional urge incontinence. I have never smoked. I have no vaginal symptoms, and no pathogens. I have been told I have atrophy because my skin in that area is extremely thin. The estrogen cream I have been using has taken away the severity and I no longer sit on the toilet crying! I have only been using it for three weeks.

I do have a renal cyst which was diagnosed probably 25 years ago, but has seemingly caused me no problems.