Pronounced: u-reh-thri-tis
En Espaol (Spanish Version)Definition
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.
Female Urethra
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Causes
Urethritis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, including:
- 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 chance of getting a disease or condition.Risk factors include:
- Sex: female
- 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, prostate)
- Medications that lower resistance to bacterial infection
- Having catheters or tubes placed in the bladder
- Acidic foods
- Spermicides
Symptoms
There may be no symptoms especially in women. Approximately 50% of men infected with Chlamydia trachomatis have no symptoms.
Symptoms may include: Pain and/or burning while urinatingBlood in the urine Increase in urinary: FrequencyUrgencyItching, swelling, and/or tenderness in the groinPain during intercourse In men: Discharge from the penisBlood in the semenPain during ejaculationSwollen and/or tender testiclesIf left untreated, urethritis can spread and cause infection in other parts of the urinary tract such as the bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Diagnosis The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam, including a pelvic 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 cultureBlood and urine tests Specific tests for Gonorrhea , Chlamydia , or other STDs Treatment Urethritis is usually treated with medication. The type of medication will depend on the cause of the urethral infection: Antibioticsto treat urethritis caused by bacteriaAntiviral drugsto treat urethritis caused by a virusIf urethritis is caused by an STD, all sexual partners should be tested and treated.
Prevention Steps to prevent urethritis include: Practicing safer sex by using condoms, and using the barrier methods of contraceptionUrinating immediately after having sexual intercourseTreating all sexual partners who are infected or exposedRegularly drinking plenty of fluids, including cranberry juice RESOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Preventionhttp://www.cdc.gov US National Library of Medicinehttp://www.nlm.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canadahttp://sogc.medical.org/ Women's Health Mattershttp://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm References: CDC Guidelines, Clinical prevention guidance. MMWR Recomm Rep . 2006;55(R11):1-94. Department of the Navy, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery website. Available at: http://navymedicine.med.navy.mil . Diseases characterized by urethritis and cervicitis. MMWR Recomm Rep . 2006;55(R11):1-94. The Merck Manual of Medical Information . Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000. Miller KE. Diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Am Fam Physician . 2006;73:1411-1416.
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, NIDDKwebsite. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov . US National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov . Last reviewed January 2008 by Adrienne Carmack, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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