Urethritis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of urethritis?

Symptoms of urethritis, which is inflammation of the urethra, can vary depending on the cause but generally include:

Pain or Burning Sensation: Especially during urination.
Frequent Urination: Increased need to urinate, sometimes with urgency.
Difficulty Urinating: Pain or difficulty starting or stopping urine flow.
Discharge: Abnormal discharge from the urethra, which can be clear, cloudy, or pus-like.
Itching or Irritation: Around the urethra or genital area.
Swelling: In the genital area.
Redness: Around the opening of the urethra.
Lower Abdominal Pain: Sometimes, pain can be felt in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.

In some cases, urethritis may be asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms.

Urethritis can be caused by various factors, including:

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
Bacterial Infections: Other than STIs, including E. coli and other bacteria.
Viral Infections: Such as herpes simplex virus.
Fungal Infections: Rarely, yeast infections can cause urethritis.
Chemical Irritation: From soaps, lotions, or other personal care products.
Trauma or Injury: Due to catheter use, sexual activity, or other injuries.
Autoimmune Conditions: Such as reactive arthritis.
Allergies: To certain substances or medications.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Such as urethral stricture or bladder infections.

The treatment for urethritis depends on the underlying cause:

Antibiotics: Prescribed if the cause is bacterial, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Antiviral Medications: Used if the cause is a viral infection like herpes simplex.
Antifungal Medications: For fungal infections, though these are less common.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen) to alleviate discomfort.
Avoid Irritants: Avoiding irritants such as certain soaps or lotions.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids to help flush out the urethra.
Avoid Sexual Activity: Refrain from sexual activity until treatment is completed and symptoms have resolved.
Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-ups to ensure the infection is completely cleared and to monitor for any complications.

If the cause is related to an underlying condition like a stricture or autoimmune disorder, treatment will focus on managing that specific issue.