Summary about Disease
Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. It is often, but not always, caused by a bacterial infection, and it can affect both men and women. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious health problems.
Symptoms
Men:
Painful urination
Burning sensation during urination
Discharge from the urethra (may be clear, white, or yellow)
Itching or tenderness in the penis
Blood in urine or semen (rare)
Women:
Painful urination
Frequent urination
Urgency to urinate
Lower abdominal pain
Vaginal discharge
Itching in the genital area
Causes
Urethritis is most often caused by bacterial infections, including:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, Mycoplasma genitalium, and trichomoniasis.
Non-sexually transmitted bacterial infections.
Viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Irritation from chemicals, such as spermicides or soaps.
Trauma
Medicine Used
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for urethritis caused by bacterial infections. The specific antibiotic used depends on the identified bacteria:
Gonorrhea: Ceftriaxone (injected) and azithromycin (oral) are often used in combination.
Chlamydia: Azithromycin or doxycycline are commonly prescribed.
Mycoplasma genitalium: Doxycycline or azithromycin.
Trichomoniasis: Metronidazole or tinidazole. For non-infectious urethritis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and avoiding irritants.
Is Communicable
Yes, urethritis caused by STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, Mycoplasma genitalium, and trichomoniasis is highly communicable through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex).
Precautions
Abstinence: Avoid sexual activity until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and are symptom-free.
Condoms: Use condoms correctly and consistently during sexual activity.
Partner notification: Inform all sexual partners so they can get tested and treated, if necessary.
Avoid irritants: If urethritis is due to irritation, avoid using irritating soaps, spermicides, or other chemicals.
Complete medication: Finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve.
Follow-up: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to ensure the infection is cleared.
How long does an outbreak last?
With appropriate antibiotic treatment, symptoms usually improve within a few days, and the infection is typically cleared within 1-2 weeks. Untreated urethritis can persist for weeks, months, or even years.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical exam: A doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about symptoms and sexual history.
Urine test: A urine sample is collected to detect the presence of bacteria or white blood cells, indicating infection.
Swab test: A swab is taken from the urethra (or cervix in women) to collect a sample for testing for specific STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Timeline of Symptoms
Incubation period: The time between exposure to the infection and the onset of symptoms varies depending on the cause. For example, symptoms of gonorrhea and chlamydia may appear within a few days to a few weeks after exposure.
Initial symptoms: Pain or burning during urination is often the first symptom noticed.
Progression: Discharge from the urethra (in men) or vaginal discharge (in women), increased frequency or urgency of urination, and lower abdominal pain may follow.
Chronic urethritis: If left untreated, symptoms can become chronic and persist for a longer period, potentially leading to complications.
Important Considerations
Early treatment: Seek medical attention promptly if you suspect you have urethritis.
Partner treatment: Treating all sexual partners is essential to prevent reinfection.
Complications: Untreated urethritis can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, epididymitis in men, infertility, and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Reinfection: You can get urethritis again, even if you've been treated before. Regular STI screening and safe sexual practices are important for prevention.
Differential diagnosis: Urethritis symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or cystitis. A proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.