Urethritis treatment available today

Many different things can cause urethritis. Urethritis is commonly due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). There are different types of urethritis, each with different causes:

• Gonococcal urethritis (GCU): This is urethritis that is caused by gonorrhea, specifically the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

• Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU):Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common nongonococcal cause of urethritis.

• Non-specific urethritis (NSU): This is urethritis that is not due to a gonorrhea or chlamydia infection.

Other bacteria that can cause urethritis are:

• Escherichia coli (E. coli)

• Mycoplasma genitalium

Viruses can also cause urethritis, but this is less common. The most common virus that causes urethritis is the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV is the same virus that causes genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection.

These bacteria and viruses can pass from an infected person to the next during sexual intercourse. The following sexually activity puts people at higher risk of getting urethritis:

• Having multiple sexual partners

• Having unprotected sex

Other non-infectious causes of urethritis include:

• Trauma: This can be due to having instruments in the urethra, such as a urinary catheter.

• Irritation: This can be from items such spermicides or personal lubricants.

There are several symptoms associated with urethritis, and they can vary depending on the underlying cause. The most common symptom is pain or burning during urination. Other symptoms may include:

• Discharge from the penis

• Painful ejaculation

• Itching or burning sensation in the urethra

• Frequent urge to urinate

• Cloudy or bloody urine

• Cloudy discharge

• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor so that they can properly diagnose and treat the underlying cause. Left untreated, urethritis can lead to serious complications, such as kidney damage or infertility.

Most cases of urethritis are caused by bacterial infection. Bacteria around the urethra may enter the urethra, causing infection. Common causes of urethritis include:  

• Gonococcus, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea and is sexually transmitted

• Chlamydia trachomatis, the bacteria that causes chlamydia and is sexually transmitted 

• Mycoplasma genitalium, herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2). It can also be caused by irritation from soaps, lotions, or condoms.

According to an article from the National Institute of Health, urethritis can typically be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). There are different types of urethritis, each with different causes:

• Gonococcal urethritis (GCU): This is urethritis that is caused by gonorrhea, specifically the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae

• Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU): Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of nongonococcal urethritis.

• Non-specific urethritis (NSU): Urethritis that is not due to either a gonorrhea or chlamydia infection falls under this category.

This is an inflammation of the bladder that often occurs alongside urethritis. Symptoms include pain or burning when urinating, increased frequency of urination, and cloudy or bloody urine.

This is an inflammation of the prostate gland that can also cause urinary symptoms like those seen in urethritis and cystitis. In addition, men with prostatitis may experience pain in the lower back, pelvis, or penis.

This is an inflammation of the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm from your testicles. It's usually caused by an infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

This is also known as PID which is an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs and can cause pelvic pain. Untreated PID can cause infertility in some women and potentially life threatening complications such as a tubo-ovarian abscess.