Urethritis is the inflammation of the urethra. It is a bacterial or viral infection that causes swelling and irritation of the urethra.

Types of urethritis

  • Gonococcal urethritis – Caused by gonorrhea
  • Non-gonococcal urethritis – Caused by something other than gonorrhea, such as another STI or irritation of the urethra.
  • Non-specific urethritis – The cause is not known

Risk factors for urethritis

  • Ages between 15 and 24
  • Multiple sexual partners
  • Having unprotected sex
  • History of trauma to the urethra
  • Use of items containing irritants such as deodorant tampons and spermicides.

Signs and symptoms of urethritis

  1. Pain while urinating
  2. Pain during sexual intercourse
  3. Itchiness at the tip of the urethra
  4. Discharge from urethral opening or vagina
  5. Pelvic pain

Diagnosis

  • A comprehensive medical history – The patient will present with the symptoms listed above
  • Physical examination, including the genitals, abdomen, and rectum.
  • Urine tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other bacteria
  • Microscopic evaluation of any discharge.

Urethritis treatment

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for urethritis. Some of the antibiotics used include

  • Azithromycin
  • Doxycycline
  • Ofloxacin
  • Levofloxacin
  • Ceftriaxone
  • Cefixime

Urethritis due to trichomoniasis is treated with metronidazole or tinidazole.

Urethritis from herpes simplex virus can be treated with

  • Acyclovir
  • Famciclovir
  • Valacyclovir

Prevention of urethritis

  • Practicing safe sex and limiting the number of sexual partners.
  • Get tested for STIs regularly
  • Avoid chemicals that may irritate the urethra.
  • Avoid actions thaT may irritate the urethra.

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