Urethritis
Also known as: Inflamed urethra, Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), Gonococcal urethritis
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It is most often caused by a sexually transmitted infection, particularly chlamydia or gonorrhea, though other organisms, irritants, and injury can also be responsible. Typical symptoms are burning on urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, and the urge to urinate frequently, although many people, especially women, have no symptoms at all. Because untreated infection can spread to the testicles, prostate, or pelvic organs and cause fertility problems, prompt testing and treatment matter. Most cases clear completely with a short course of antibiotics, and sexual partners need treatment too to prevent reinfection.
At a Glance
- Common symptoms
- Burning or stinging when passing urine, Discharge from the penis, which may be clear, white, yellow, or green, Itching, tingling, or irritation at the tip of the penis or in the urethra
- Main treatments
- Antibiotics chosen according to the likely or confirmed organism, such as doxycycline for chlamydia or ceftriaxone for gonorrhea, Treatment of sexual partners, even if they have no symptoms, Avoiding sex until you and your partners have completed treatment and symptoms have resolved
- Category
- Urological · Common, particularly among sexually active young adults
- See a doctor if
- Any burning on urination or discharge, particularly after a new sexual contact
Symptoms
Causes
- Sexually transmitted bacteria, most commonly Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Mycoplasma genitalium, trichomonas, and herpes simplex virus
- Bacteria from a urinary tract infection spreading to the urethra
- Chemical irritation from soaps, spermicides, douches, or lubricants
- Injury from catheterization, vigorous sexual activity, or inserting objects into the urethra
- Reactive arthritis and other inflammatory conditions (uncommon)
Risk Factors
- Unprotected sex, particularly with new or multiple partners
- Being a sexually active young adult
- A history of sexually transmitted infections
- Recent urinary catheter use
- Men who have sex with men
Diagnosis
- A history of symptoms and sexual activity, and a physical examination
- A urine sample and, where appropriate, a swab from the urethra or cervix for nucleic acid amplification tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other organisms
- Microscopy of a urethral discharge sample in sexual health clinics
- Testing for other sexually transmitted infections including HIV and syphilis
- Culture of gonorrhea to check antibiotic sensitivity when it is found
Treatment
- Antibiotics chosen according to the likely or confirmed organism, such as doxycycline for chlamydia or ceftriaxone for gonorrhea
- Treatment of sexual partners, even if they have no symptoms
- Avoiding sex until you and your partners have completed treatment and symptoms have resolved
- Follow-up testing in some situations, for example after gonorrhea, in pregnancy, or if symptoms persist
- Supportive: drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding irritants such as perfumed soaps and spermicides
- Supportive: over-the-counter pain relief for discomfort while the antibiotics take effect
Prevention
- Use condoms consistently with new or non-regular partners
- Get tested for sexually transmitted infections when you change partners and at least yearly if sexually active with multiple partners
- Make sure partners are treated before resuming sex after an infection
- Avoid douching and harsh soaps around the genitals
- Practise good hygiene around catheter care if you use one
When to See a Doctor
- Any burning on urination or discharge, particularly after a new sexual contact
- Symptoms that persist after completing antibiotics
- Pain or swelling in the testicles, or pelvic pain and fever in women (signs the infection has spread)
- A partner has been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, even if you have no symptoms
- Blood in the urine or inability to pass urine
Frequently Asked Questions
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