Urethritis – What is it, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments!
Urethritis – What is it, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments of this condition that many are unaware of. In addition, Urethritis consists of inflammation or infection of the urethra. Urethritis is not the same as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, while a UTI is a urinary tract infection .
They may have similar symptoms but require different treatment methods depending on the underlying cause of urethritis . Semen also passes through the male urethra. Urethritis often causes painful urination and an increased urge to urinate . The main cause of urethritis is usually bacterial infection .
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Urethritis affects people of all ages. Both males and females can develop the condition. However, females are more likely to develop the condition than males. This is in part because male urethras, which are the length of the penis, are much longer than women’s. A woman’s urethra is typically one and a half inches long. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra.
Urethritis occurs in approximately 4 million Americans each year. Nongonococcal urethritis accounts for 80 percent of cases.
Causes of Urethritis: Generally, most cases of Urethritis are the result of abacterial or viral infection . Bacteria are the most common causes. The same bacteria that can cause bladder and kidney infections can also infect the lining of the urethra. Bacteria found naturally in the genital area can also cause urethritis if they enter the urinary tract .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bacteria associated with urethritis include:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Mycoplasma genitalium
Pathogens are the biological agents that cause disease. The same pathogens that cause STDs can also cause Urethritis . These include the bacteria that cause gonorrhea and chlamydia and the parasite that causes trichomoniasis.
Symptoms of Urethritis: The symptoms of Urethritis are different in men and women.
Symptoms in Men: Men with Urethritis may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Burning sensation when urinating ;
- Itching or burning near the opening of the penis
- Presence of blood in semen or urine ;
- Output of secretions from the penis.
Symptoms in Women: Some symptoms of Urethritis in women include:
- More frequent desire to urinate ;
- Discomfort during urination;
- Burning or irritation at the urethral opening.
Abnormal discharge from the vagina may also be present along with urinary symptoms . People who have urethritis may also not have visible symptoms. This is especially true for women. In men, symptoms may not be evident if urethritis has developed as a result of a chlamydial infection or occasionally trichomoniasis.
For this reason, it is important to get tested if you have been infected with a sexually transmitted infection .
Urethritis Diagnoses: Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. They will likely also examine the genital area for discharge, tenderness, sores, and any signs of an STD. This can help them make a diagnosis.
They may order tests to look at a urine sample or swab taken from the urethra or vaginal area. If the doctor suspects a specific STD, there will likely be a test that allows the doctor to confirm or rule out the potential diagnosis. Blood tests may be done to check for other STDs, such as HIV and syphilis.
Depending on your doctor and your lab, you may be able to get your test results back in a few days. This allows them to get you started on treatment as quickly as possible and to let you know if your partner needs treatment for Urethritis .
Urethritis Treatments: Treatment for Urethritis typically includes a course of antibiotics or antiviral medications. Some common treatments for urethritis include:
- Azithromycin, an antibiotic, typically taken as a single dose;
- Doxycycline, an oral antibiotic typically taken twice a day for seven days;
- Erythromycin, an antibiotic that can be given orally four times a day for seven days;
- Ofloxacin, an oral antibiotic normally taken twice a day for seven days;
- Levofloxacin, an oral antibiotic that is usually taken once a day for seven days.
If an STI has caused the infection , it is vital that all sexual partners undergo testing and treatment, if necessary. This prevents the spread of the STD and re-infection.
You may see improvement in symptoms just a few days after starting treatment. You must still finish your prescription as recommended by your doctor, or the infection could get worse. Those with urethritis should wait a week once they are completely finished with the prescription and their partner has finished treatment before resuming sexual activity.
Potential drug interactions for medications used to treat urethritis include:
- Medicines to thin the blood
- Medicines for the heart
- medication for seizure
Prevention of Urethritis: Many of the bacteria that cause Urethritis can be passed to another person through sexual contact. Therefore, practicing safe sex is an important preventive measure. The tips below can help reduce your risk:
- Avoid having sex with multiple partners.
- Use condoms whenever you have sex.
- Take the test regularly.
- Protect others. If you discover you have an STI, let others know who are also at risk for an infection .
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In addition to safer sex practices, there are other ways to promote good urinary tract health . This can lower the risk of urethritis and some other conditions that affect this part of the body. Drink plenty of fluids and be sure to urinate right after intercourse. Avoid acidic foods. Also, avoid exposure to spermicides, especially if you already know it irritates your urethra.