Urethritis

Urethritis is an inflammation, infection, or irritation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder.

Causes

Urethritis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, such as:
  • Organisms that cause bladder or kidney infections:
    • E. coli
    • Klebsiella
  • Organisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases (STDs):
    • Neisseria gonorrhoeae
    • Chlamydia trachomatis
    • Trichomonas vaginalis
    • Viruses such as herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, or human papillomavirus
  • Other bacteria:
    • Ureaplasma urealyticum
    • Mycoplasma genitalium

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Multiple sexual partners
  • Recent change in sexual partners
  • Unprotected sex (without use of a condom)
  • History of other STDs
  • Bacterial infection of other parts of the urinary tract (bladder, kidney)
  • Medications that lower resistance to bacterial infection

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:
  • Pain and/or burning while urinating
  • Increase in urinary:
    • Frequency
    • Urgency
  • Itching, swelling, and/or tenderness in the groin
  • Pain during intercourse
  • In men:
    • Discharge from penis
    • Blood in semen
    • Pain during ejaculation
    • Swollen and/or tender testicles
If left untreated, Urethritis can spread and cause infection in other parts of the urinary tract.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Urethritis is usually diagnosed from its symptoms. Tests to confirm the diagnosis and identify the organism causing the condition may include:
  • Urethral swab for microscopic study or culture
  • Blood or urine tests
  • Specific tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other STDs

Treatment

Urethritis may be treated with medication. The type of medication will depend on the cause of the urethral infection:
  • Antibiotics – to treat urethritis caused by bacteria
  • Antiviral drugs – to treat urethritis caused by a virus
If Urethritis is caused by an STD, all sexual partners should be tested and treated.

Prevention

Steps to prevent Urethritis include:
  • Having good personal hygiene
  • Practicing safe sex, including using condoms
  • Practicing sexual monogamy, which is having sex with only one partner who has sex only with you
  • Limiting the number of sexual partners
  • Urinating immediately after having sexual intercourse
  • Treating all sexual partners who are infected or exposed
  • Regularly drinking plenty of fluids, including cranberry juice