Urethritis
Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. Urethritis most often affects men between the ages of 15 and 30, and is commonly caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Women are less likely to be affected by urethritis because the female urethra is not easily infected during sexual intercourse.
Causes of Urethritis
Although urethritis commonly occurs as a result of sexually transmitted diseases, it can also be caused by the following:
- Bacterial infection
- Allergic reaction to spermicide
- Injury
- Exposure to a chemical irritant
- Unprotected sexual intercourse
- Urinary tract infection
- Inflamed prostate
- Herpes simplex
- Urethral stricture
- Catheterization of the penis
At increased risk of developing urethritis are men younger than 35, and people with many sexual partners. During childbirth, a women can pass urethritis to her baby, causing its eyes, ears or lungs to become infected.
Symptoms of Urethritis
Symptoms of urethritis can differ and are gender-specific.
Males with urethritis can experience the following:
- Bloody urine or semen
- Frequent urination
- Pain during urination
- Pain during ejaculation
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Penile discharge
Men with urethritis may also experience swelling, itching or tenderness in the groin area.
Females with urethritis may experience the following:
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain
Women with urethritis may also experience abdominal pain and fever.
Diagnosis of Urethritis
Urethritis is diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of symptoms. Additional diagnostic tests may include the following:
- Examination of any discharge
- STD test for gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV
- Urinalysis and urine culture
- Complete blood count
A pelvic ultrasound may also be performed to rule out any underlying conditions.
Treatment of Urethritis
Urethritis caused by sexually transmitted disease is typically treated with antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medication may be used to treat symptoms of discomfort. Patients and their sexual partners should be treated simultaneously to ensure that reinfection does not occur. They should also abstain from sexual intercourse until treatment is completed, even if symptoms disappear before treatment ends. A urine test may be performed at the end of treatment to ensure that the infection is fully cleared.
When urethritis is caused by injury or irritation, usually only its symptoms are treated because the inflammation may clear up on its own as the area heals.