When we talk about urethra, we usually think of it as a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. However, there are cases where a fish can swim into the urethra, causing pain and discomfort to the person affected. This phenomenon is rare, but it can happen, especially in places where people swim in freshwater rivers or lakes.
What Kind of Fish Can Swim Into Urethra?
The fish that can swim into the urethra is called Candiru or Vandellia cirrhosa. This fish is a parasitic species that lives in the Amazon River and its tributaries. It is small, measuring only a few centimeters long, and has a translucent body that makes it difficult to detect.
How Does Candiru Swim Into Urethra?
Candiru usually swims into the urethra of a person when they urinate in the water, and the fish mistakes the urine stream for the gills of a larger fish. The fish then swims into the urethra, attracted by the urine's chemical composition, and gets stuck inside. Candiru has spines that face backward, making it difficult to remove the fish without surgery.
What Are the Symptoms of Candiru in Urethra?
The symptoms of Candiru in the urethra are intense pain, bleeding, and difficulty urinating. The fish's spines can cause damage to the urethra's walls, leading to inflammation and infection. In severe cases, the person affected may require surgery to remove the fish.
What Can You Do to Prevent Candiru from Swimming Into Your Urethra?
The best way to prevent Candiru from swimming into your urethra is to avoid urinating in freshwater rivers or lakes, especially in areas where Candiru is known to live. If you must urinate in the water, try to do it in a standing position, as this will reduce the chances of the fish swimming into your urethra. Wearing tight swimwear can also help prevent Candiru from entering your body.
Conclusion
Candiru swimming into the urethra is a rare, but unpleasant phenomenon that can cause pain and discomfort to the person affected. Knowing how to prevent it from happening is essential, especially if you live or travel to places where Candiru is known to live. Make sure to avoid urinating in freshwater rivers or lakes, and wear tight swimwear to reduce the chances of Candiru entering your body.