Urethritis: Difference between revisions
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[[File: | {{SI}} {{Infobox medical condition | ||
| name = Urethritis | |||
== | | image = [[File:Female_and_Male_Urethra-ar.jpg|250px]] | ||
| caption = Diagram of the female and male urethra | |||
| field = [[Urology]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = [[Dysuria]], [[urethral discharge]], [[itching]] | |||
| complications = [[Epididymitis]], [[pelvic inflammatory disease]] | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = [[Gonococcal urethritis]], [[nongonococcal urethritis]] | |||
| causes = [[Bacterial infection]], [[viral infection]], [[chemical irritation]] | |||
| risks = [[Sexually transmitted infections]], [[catheterization]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Urinalysis]], [[urethral swab]] | |||
| differential = [[Cystitis]], [[prostatitis]], [[vaginitis]] | |||
| prevention = [[Safe sex]], [[hygiene]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antibiotics]], [[antiviral medication]] | |||
| medication = [[Azithromycin]], [[doxycycline]], [[ceftriaxone]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
'''Urethritis''' is an inflammation of the [[urethra]], the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This medical condition can be caused by infections, injuries, or other unknown causes. The main symptom is a burning sensation when urinating. | '''Urethritis''' is an inflammation of the [[urethra]], the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This medical condition can be caused by infections, injuries, or other unknown causes. The main symptom is a burning sensation when urinating. | ||
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== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
[[File:Female urethra histology.jpg|thumb|left|A microscopic view of bacteria, a common cause of infectious urethritis.]] | [[File:Female urethra histology.jpg|thumb|left|A microscopic view of bacteria, a common cause of infectious urethritis.]] | ||
Urethritis can be caused by: | Urethritis can be caused by: | ||
* '''Infectious agents:''' Most commonly, [[bacteria]] or viruses. Examples include: | * '''Infectious agents:''' Most commonly, [[bacteria]] or viruses. Examples include: | ||
** [[Gonorrhea]] | ** [[Gonorrhea]] | ||
| Line 27: | Line 40: | ||
* '''Chemical irritants:''' Products such as soaps, lotions, and spermicides can cause chemical-induced urethritis. | * '''Chemical irritants:''' Products such as soaps, lotions, and spermicides can cause chemical-induced urethritis. | ||
* '''Physical injuries:''' These can occur due to instrumentation like catheterization or surgery. | * '''Physical injuries:''' These can occur due to instrumentation like catheterization or surgery. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Patients with urethritis may experience: | Patients with urethritis may experience: | ||
| Line 34: | Line 46: | ||
* Discharge from the urethra | * Discharge from the urethra | ||
* Itching or irritation at the urethral opening | * Itching or irritation at the urethral opening | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical presentation and laboratory tests, including: | Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical presentation and laboratory tests, including: | ||
* '''Urine tests:''' To check for signs of infection. | * '''Urine tests:''' To check for signs of infection. | ||
* '''Swab tests:''' A sample from the urethra can be tested for bacteria or viruses. | * '''Swab tests:''' A sample from the urethra can be tested for bacteria or viruses. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
[[File:Dermcidin-1L 2KSG.png|thumb| | [[File:Dermcidin-1L 2KSG.png|thumb|left|Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for bacterial urethritis.]] | ||
* '''Antibiotics:''' If bacteria are the cause. | * '''Antibiotics:''' If bacteria are the cause. | ||
* '''Antiviral medication:''' For viral infections. | * '''Antiviral medication:''' For viral infections. | ||
* '''Pain relief:''' Over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce pain and inflammation. | * '''Pain relief:''' Over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce pain and inflammation. | ||
Patients are advised to refrain from sexual activity until treatment is complete and symptoms have resolved. | Patients are advised to refrain from sexual activity until treatment is complete and symptoms have resolved. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention strategies include: | Prevention strategies include: | ||
| Line 54: | Line 61: | ||
* Avoiding irritating products. | * Avoiding irritating products. | ||
* Proper hygiene practices. | * Proper hygiene practices. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Bladder infection]] | * [[Bladder infection]] | ||
* [[Urinary tract infection]] | * [[Urinary tract infection]] | ||
* [[Cystitis]] | * [[Cystitis]] | ||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urethritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20356126 Mayo Clinic: Urethritis] | * [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urethritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20356126 Mayo Clinic: Urethritis] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Urinary system diseases]] | [[Category:Urinary system diseases]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 07:31, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
Philadelphia GLP-1 weight loss and GLP-1 clinic NYC
| Urethritis | |
|---|---|
| File:Female and Male Urethra-ar.jpg | |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Dysuria, urethral discharge, itching |
| Complications | Epididymitis, pelvic inflammatory disease |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | Gonococcal urethritis, nongonococcal urethritis |
| Causes | Bacterial infection, viral infection, chemical irritation |
| Risks | Sexually transmitted infections, catheterization |
| Diagnosis | Urinalysis, urethral swab |
| Differential diagnosis | Cystitis, prostatitis, vaginitis |
| Prevention | Safe sex, hygiene |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, antiviral medication |
| Medication | Azithromycin, doxycycline, ceftriaxone |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This medical condition can be caused by infections, injuries, or other unknown causes. The main symptom is a burning sensation when urinating.
Causes[edit]
Urethritis can be caused by:
- Infectious agents: Most commonly, bacteria or viruses. Examples include:
** Gonorrhea ** Chlamydia ** Herpes simplex virus
- Chemical irritants: Products such as soaps, lotions, and spermicides can cause chemical-induced urethritis.
- Physical injuries: These can occur due to instrumentation like catheterization or surgery.
Symptoms[edit]
Patients with urethritis may experience:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Increased urge to urinate
- Discharge from the urethra
- Itching or irritation at the urethral opening
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical presentation and laboratory tests, including:
- Urine tests: To check for signs of infection.
- Swab tests: A sample from the urethra can be tested for bacteria or viruses.
Treatment[edit]
- Antibiotics: If bacteria are the cause.
- Antiviral medication: For viral infections.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce pain and inflammation.
Patients are advised to refrain from sexual activity until treatment is complete and symptoms have resolved.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention strategies include:
- Practicing safe sex, including the use of condoms.
- Avoiding irritating products.
- Proper hygiene practices.


