Urethritis

Key Points

Overview

Urethritis is a condition where the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, becomes swollen and sore. This inflammation can cause discomfort and other symptoms related to urination. The most common cause of urethritis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. It can also be caused by irritation or damage to the urethra, for example, from a urinary catheter. Sometimes, no specific cause can be identified. Diagnosis usually involves simple tests like a swab from the urethra or a urine sample. Once diagnosed, urethritis is typically treated with antibiotics to clear the infection. Early treatment is important to prevent complications and stop the infection from spreading.

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain or burning feeling when urinating
• White or cloudy discharge from the vagina or penis
• Irritated or sore tip of the penis
• Symptoms may appear days or weeks after exposure
• Urethritis can occur without any noticeable symptoms

Things That Increase the Risk

• Having unprotected sex (without a condom)
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Sharing sex toys without proper cleaning
• Damage or irritation to the urethra, such as from a urinary catheter

Diagnosis

• Swab test to collect a sample from the urethra
• Urine test, often requiring not peeing for at least 2 hours prior
• Tests for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Treatment & Management

• Antibiotic medication
• Current sexual partners may also need treatment
• Avoid all sexual activity until treatment is finished and symptoms are gone
• Follow-up appointment to ensure treatment was effective

Prevention

• Use a condom every time for vaginal or anal sex
• Use condoms or dental dams for oral sex
• Do not share sex toys, or clean and cover them with a new condom
• Get tested for urethritis and STIs regularly, even without symptoms

Related Diseases

• Reactive arthritis
• Epididymitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Infertility

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Urethritis:

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Urethritis: