Urethritis treatment available today

The main symptom of urethritis is pain while urinating. Other urethritis symptoms may include: a frequent urge to urinate, difficulty starting urination, pain during intercourse, unusual discharge from the penis, itching around the opening of the penis, the urethra hurting when squeezed, and blood in the urine or semen (in men).

Most cases of urethritis are caused by bacterial infection. Bacteria around the urethra may enter the urethra, causing infection. Common causes of urethritis include: E. coli and other bacteria present in stool, gonococcus, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea and is sexually transmitted, chlamydia trachomatis, the bacteria that causes chlamydia and is sexually transmitted, herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), and trichomoniasis. It can also be caused by irritation from soaps, lotions, or condoms.

The best treatment for bacterial urethritis is antibiotic treatment to heal completely. Medical providers can prescribe antibiotics in oral or in cream form. Antibiotics will usually clear up the infection within a few days. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help treat the discomfort of urinating. When you start your course of antibiotics, you should show improvement within the first couple days of administration. That being said, it is important that you make sure to take the full course of medication to ensure that the infection doesn’t return and that the urethritis treatment is effective.

While urethritis can go away on its own, the risk of the infection getting worse and spreading to the kidneys is high. Urethritis caused by bacteria typically requires antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent recurring UTI infections. PlushCare recommends seeking medical attention to treat urethritis.

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.

Urethritis and a urinary tract infection (UTI) are different conditions. Urethritis refers to swelling of the urethra. A UTI is an infection (typically bacterial) in the urinary tract, which can extend beyond the urethra. Urethritis is a common symptom of a UTI, as UTIs often cause inflammation of the urethra. Both are typically treated with antibiotics. If you suspect a UTI, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional, who may provide a UTI prescription online after assessing your symptoms and medical history.

How long does urethritis take to heal? After beginning antibiotic treatment, urethritis (inflamed urethra) typically begins to heal within 2-3 days. Some people feel relief within a few hours. You should continue your course of antibiotics according to the prescribing doctor's instructions. Without medical intervention, symptoms can last up to 3 months and may not go away without antibiotic treatment.

If left untreated, urethritis symptoms may worsen. Additionally, the underlying infection may spread to other areas of the urinary tract, including the bladder and kidneys. Kidney and bladder infections have potential to become dangerous and can result in medical emergencies. If you are experiencing symptoms of urethritis or a UTI, it is crucial that you meet with a doctor right away to receive prompt treatment.