Urethritis is infection of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
Bacteria, including those that are sexually transmitted, are the most common cause of urethritis.
Symptoms include pain while urinating, a frequent or urgent need to urinate, and sometimes a discharge.
Antibiotics are usually given to treat the infection.
(See also Overview of Urinary Tract Infections [UTIs].)
Causes of Urethritis
Urethritis may be caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses (for example, herpes simplex virus).
Sexually transmitted infections are common causes of urethritis. Organisms—such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes gonorrhea—can spread to the urethra during sexual intercourse with an infected partner. Chlamydia and the herpes simplex virus are also commonly transmitted sexually and can cause urethritis (see Chlamydial and Other Infections). When men develop urethritis, the gonorrheal organism is a very common cause. Although this organism may infect the urethra in women, the vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are more likely to be infected. Trichomonas, a type of microscopic parasite, also causes urethritis in men. Urethritis may also be caused by the bacteria that commonly cause other urinary tract infections, such as Escherichia coli.
Symptoms of Urethritis
In both men and women, there is usually pain during urination and a frequent, urgent need to urinate. Sometimes people have no symptoms. In men, when gonorrhea or chlamydia is the cause, there is usually a discharge from the urethra. The discharge is often yellowish green and thick when the gonococcal organism is involved and may be clear and thinner when other organisms are involved. In women, discharge is less common.
Other disorders that cause pain during urination include bladder infection and vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina).
Complications of Urethritis
Infections of the urethra that are not treated or are inadequately treated may cause a narrowing (stricture) of the urethra. A stricture increases the risk that infections will develop in the bladder or the kidneys. Untreated gonorrhea rarely leads to an accumulation of pus (abscess) around the urethra. An abscess can cause outpouchings from the urethral wall (urethral diverticula), which can also become infected. If the abscess perforates the skin, the vagina, or the rectum, urine may flow through a newly created abnormal connection (urethral fistula).
Diagnosis of Urethritis
Urinalysis
Sometimes urethral swab
Sometimes urine culture
Doctors can usually make a diagnosis of urethritis based on the symptoms and examination. A sample of the discharge, if present, is collected by inserting a soft-tipped swab into the end of the urethra. The urethral swab is then sent to a laboratory for analysis so that the infecting organism can be identified.
Prevention and Treatment of Urethritis
Antibiotics for common causes; antivirals for herpes simplex
For sexually transmitted infections, treatment of partners
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that cause urethritis may be prevented by using a condom.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diseases Characterized by Urethritis and Cervicitis: An in-depth exploration of all the sexually transmitted infections characterized by urethritis and cervicitis.
