Urethritis is a chronic or acute inflammation of the urethra. It is usually due to microbial colonization.
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Microorganisms are often transmitted by sexual contact. However, there are also cases of urethritis, where inflammation is due to other causes, such as an injury or presence of a foreign body (e.g. patients with a permanent catheter)
Gonococcal urethritis
It is caused by the Neisseria Gonorrhoeae microorganism. The symptoms of gonococcal urethritis develop in males 3 to 5 days after the infection, and include the following:
– Itching and burning on the urethra
– Pain during urination
– Pus secretion from the urethra
– Blood in urine or sperm
– Pain during ejaculation
Non-gonococcal urethritis
It is usually caused by the Chlamydia Trachomatis microorganism. The symptoms of non-gonococcal urethritis also develop 3 to 5 days after the infection in females, and include the following:
– Pus and malodorous vaginal secretion
– Pain and burning during urination
– Fever and chills
– Stomach pain
– Itching
Other microorganisms that can cause urethritis are the following: Adenoviruses, coliforms, herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, mycoplasm, ureoplasma, trichomonads.
Causes
Risk factors for the transmission of the genital herpes are:
• A high number of sexual partners
• Personal history of other sexually transmitted diseases
What we should watch for
In order to prevent urethritis, it is important to:
- Avoid any high-risk sexual activity
- Avoid using any chemicals that can irritate the urethra
- Maintain a high level of personal hygiene
Treatment
The drugs that are administered are aimed at preventing the main cause of urethritis, as well as its spread. If the infection is caused by a bacterium, the administration of antibiotics is necessary. The most frequently prescribed drugs to treat urethritis are doxycycline, azithromycin, levoflaxacin, tinidazole, erythromycin, and metronidazole.
In order to deal with pain, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs can also be administered to some patients.
