Foreign objects in the urethra or bladder are uncommon, but they are a well-known medical problem in urology. Due to the rarity of open discussions on this topic, many individuals feel embarrassed or frightened, which leads them to delay seeking help. This delay can increase the risk of infection, injury, and long-term urinary problems.
This article explains the condition in simple, clear language, using published medical evidence. It focuses on why this happens, what symptoms to look for, what urologists commonly see, and how foreign objects are safely removed.
What Is a Foreign Object in the Urethra or Bladder?
A foreign object is anything that is not meant to be inside the body.
- Urine leaves the bladder through a tube called the urethra.
- The bladder is the organ that stores urine.
A foreign object may:
- Become stuck in the urethra
- Travel into the bladder
- Cause blockage, irritation, infection, or injury
Once inside, the delicate lining of the urinary tract easily sustains damage due to its inability to withstand hard or sharp objects.
Why Do Foreign Objects Get Stuck in the Urethra or Bladder?
Medical studies show several recognisable reasons. Urologists manage these cases professionally and without judgement.
Common reasons include:
- Sexual curiosity or experimentation
- Sexual practices involving insertion into the urethra
- Repeated behaviour, sometimes over many years
- Mental health or compulsive conditions
- Alcohol or drug intoxication
- Accidental causes, such as broken catheters or medical devices
- Trauma or injury
A large systematic review found that sexual motivation accounts for over 60% of adult cases, particularly in men
What Are the Symptoms of a Foreign Object in the Urethra or Bladder?
Symptoms depend on the size, shape, and position of the object, and how long it has been present.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow
- Weak or spraying urine stream
- Blood in the urine (haematuria, meaning visible or microscopic bleeding)
- Swelling or pain in the penis
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Inability to pass urine (urinary retention)
Studies show that 30–40% of patients present with infection, especially when there is a delay in seeking help.
What Objects Do Urologists Commonly Remove From the Urethra or Bladder?
This is an important and often misunderstood point: urologists see it more often than people realise.
Published reviews and case reports describe a wide range of objects that have been safely removed.
Objects reported in medical literature include:
- Wires, cables, and electrical components
- Pens, pencils, and plastic tubing
- Batteries
- Hairpins, needles, and pins
- Medical items such as catheter fragments
- Small household objects
A UK case report described multiple batteries inserted into the urethra, which were successfully removed without permanent damage
From a medical perspective:
- The priority is safe removal
- Early presentation usually allows minimally invasive treatment
- Delay increases complications, not judgement
Is Repeated Insertion Into the Urethra a Medical Condition? (Urethral Polyembolokoilamania)
Yes.
Doctors use the term 'urethral polyembolokoilamania' to describe the repeated insertion of multiple foreign objects into the urethra.
- 'Poly' means 'many'.
- 'Embole' refers to inserted objects
- Koilamania refers to repetitive or compulsive behaviour
In simple terms, it means placing objects into the urine pipe on more than one occasion.
This term:
- Describes behaviour, not character
- Does not automatically mean mental illness
- Helps doctors recognise risk of recurrence and injury
It is used when the behaviour is recurring rather than an isolated incident.
What Is Urethral Sounding and Is It Dangerous?
Urethral sounding refers to inserting objects into the urethra for sexual stimulation.
- The term comes from historical medical instruments called sounds
- It is often discussed online as a sexual practice
- Many online sources incorrectly describe it as “safe”
Medical evidence shows that urethral sounding:
- Carries a real risk of injury
- Can introduce infection
- May lead to retained foreign objects
- Can cause long-term scarring of the urethra
Repeated or unsafe sounding may lead to urethral polyembolokoilamania, particularly when non-medical objects are used.
How Are Foreign Objects in the Urethra or Bladder Diagnosed?
Diagnosis relies on honesty and careful assessment.
Common tests include:
- X-ray, useful for metal or dense objects
- Ultrasound, to detect objects in the bladder
- CT scan (computed tomography), detailed imaging for complex cases
- Cystoscopy, a camera test passed gently through the urethra
Cystoscopy often allows diagnosis and removal in the same procedure.
How Are Foreign Objects Safely Removed From the Urethra or Bladder?
Treatment depends on:
- Object size and shape
- Location
- Duration inside the body
- Presence of infection or injury
Treatment options:
- Endoscopic removal
Fine instruments are used to remove the foreign object through the urethra. Successful in 70–90% of cases.
- Open surgery
Required in fewer than 10% of cases, usually for large or complex objects.
Antibiotics are commonly used to reduce infection risk.
What Happens If a Foreign Object Is Left in the Urethra or Bladder?
Delay significantly increases harm.
Possible complications include:
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Bleeding
- Urethral tears
- Urethral stricture (narrowing caused by scarring)
- Bladder stone formation
- Long-term difficulty passing urine
Repeated injury greatly increases the risk of permanent damage.
Can a Foreign Object in the Urethra Cause Long-Term Damage?
Yes, particularly if:
- Objects are left in place for long periods
- Insertion is repeated
- Infection or scarring develops
Early removal usually results in better recovery.
Foreign Objects in the Urethra or Bladder: Key Facts Patients Should Know
- This is a recognised medical problem
- Urologists manage it professionally and without judgement
- Early treatment reduces complications
- Most cases are treated without open surgery
- Reliable information improves safety
