Urethral ozone (urethral insufflation) is a form of medical ozone therapy in which an oxygen–ozone gas mixture is applied locally into the urethra (the urinary channel) through a special thin catheter. Chronic or recurrent urethritis, painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis) and chronic prostatitis can affect both women and men, causing ongoing pain, burning and frequent urination, and can be difficult to treat.
Ozone is known as a powerful disinfectant and is also described as having anti-inflammatory and tissue-supporting effects. Urethral ozone is used as a complementary approach for persistent complaints – alongside, not instead of, care by a urologist or gynaecologist. Any urinary complaint must first be properly investigated (for example with urine tests and cultures) and treated according to standard medical practice. The scientific evidence for urethral ozone is limited and responses vary. At our clinic in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, it is offered after a medical assessment, with full respect for privacy.
What Is Urethral Ozone and How Is It Thought to Work?
A measured volume of oxygen–ozone mixture is delivered locally into the urethra, placing it directly on the lining of the lower urinary tract. Its proposed effects are:
- Antimicrobial activity: ozone oxidises the membranes of microorganisms and has been studied for its ability to disrupt bacterial biofilms, which can play a role in recurrent infections.
- Anti-inflammatory effects, which may help ease burning, stinging and discomfort.
- Tissue support: increased local microcirculation and oxygenation may support repair of the urethral lining.
Where Is It Used?
As a complementary measure, urethral ozone is used in situations such as:
- Chronic or recurrent urethritis, with ongoing burning, stinging or discharge, after proper investigation and treatment.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (cystitis) in women, as a supportive measure alongside standard care.
- Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis) and chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain, as a supportive option within the treatment plan of the relevant specialist.
How Is Urethral Ozone Performed?
Consultation and Preparation
A detailed consultation and examination determine whether you are suitable. Your history, previous tests and treatments are reviewed, and tests such as urinalysis, urine culture or a urethral swab may be requested. Conditions that rule out ozone therapy, such as active genital herpes lesions, G6PD deficiency (favism) or pregnancy, are identified at this stage. How the treatment is performed, what you may feel, the number of sessions and its potential benefits and limitations are explained openly. No special preparation is usually needed apart from normal hygiene.
The Session: A Few Comfortable Minutes
The session takes place lying on your back on a treatment chair, with your privacy protected by a cover, under sterile conditions:
- Preparation: the external genital area and urethral opening are gently cleaned with a skin-friendly antiseptic. An oxygen–ozone mixture at the dose and volume set for you (usually 20–50 ml) is drawn into a sterile syringe.
- Application: a very thin, soft, flexible, single-use sterile urethral catheter – much thinner than a urinary catheter – is coated with an anaesthetic lubricating gel and gently advanced a few centimetres into the urethra. The gas is then introduced slowly over about 30–60 seconds; you may feel slight fullness.
- Finishing: the catheter is gently withdrawn. The whole procedure, including preparation, takes only a few minutes, and you can return to your day straight away.
Course and Recovery
Urethral ozone is usually given as a course – often 2–3 times a week, about 10 to 15 sessions depending on the condition. Some patients notice less burning, stinging and pain after the first few sessions. Effects vary from person to person, and the treatment should always be used as a complement to urological or gynaecological care.
Book Urethral Ozone
We will assess together whether it suits you.
This page is for general information. Suitability, possible side effects and expected results are assessed at a medical consultation; results vary between individuals.
