Swabbing up inside urethra

Last year during a normal pelvic exam had a cotton swab stuck up inside my urethra, it didn't feel like any lube was used ouch. I didn't mention any complaints to him of having problems peeing. It was a new doc that was filling in for my regular. Anyone ever have this before?

Nope and I can not fathom why s/he would have done it. A cotton swab would not be a clean catch to try culturing. Perhaps to test the PH?

It does seem a bit unusual that a doctor would insert a cotton swab into your urethra. During a normal pelvic exam it is normal to observe the urethra for any signs of irritation or infection, but its usually a visual check. If however you have a complaint of irritation or pain, then it would not be uncommon to take a urethral swab in addition to a MSU ( Mid Stream Urine) specimen to send for MC&S (Microbiology, Culture and Sensitivity) in order to identify the bacteria and treat it with the appropriate antibiotics.

I've had a few of those and they can be quite uncomfortable. They have only been done though when I've had an infection or a possible infection . The Dr has always explained why they are doing one and what will happen . The swab has never been lubed as it would contaminate results .

I thought that swabs of that type were used to test for sti/stds. any substance can be 'clean.' as an earlier commenter stated that it wouldnt be suitable.

Bill swab are never lubed a dry swab absorbs better than if any lube is used. Once the swab has been used to obtain the sample it is placed into a a special formulated gel that will ensure an extended length of time for bacterial survival of a minimum of 48 hours.