What is Urethritis?

Urethritis is the inflammation of the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It can cause pain, discomfort, and urinary issues, and it often results from infection, either sexually transmitted or non-sexually acquired.

What Causes Urethritis?

Urethritis can be caused by several different factors, including:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – Such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or herpes
• Non-infectious causes – Including irritation from soaps, lotions, or injury
• Bacterial infections – From E. coli or other urinary tract bacteria
• Viral infections – Like adenovirus, especially in children

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause but commonly include:

• Burning sensation during urination
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Discharge from the urethra (clear, white, or yellow)
• Itching or irritation at the urethral opening
• Pain during intercourse
• Blood in urine or semen (less common)

Men and women may experience different symptoms. Women may also have pelvic pain, while men may feel discomfort in the testicles.

How is Urethritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on symptoms and laboratory tests, including:

• Physical examination and medical history
• Urine tests to detect bacteria or white blood cells
• Urethral swab to test for STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia
• Blood tests in certain cases
• Pelvic exam for women if needed

How is Urethritis Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections (e.g., gonorrhea, chlamydia, or E. coli)
• Antiviral medications if caused by herpes
• Avoidance of irritants like harsh soaps or spermicides
• Pain relievers and increased fluid intake for symptom relief
• Partner treatment may be necessary in cases of STIs to prevent reinfection

Can Urethritis Cause Complications?

If untreated, urethritis may lead to:

• Spread of infection to the bladder or kidneys
• Chronic urethritis or urethral stricture (narrowing of the urethra)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women
• Infertility in both men and women (in rare or severe cases)

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should seek medical attention if you experience:

• Painful urination that lasts more than a day
• Urethral discharge
• Blood in urine or semen
• Symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection
• Pelvic or testicular pain