urethritis
- Sep 30, 2024
Urethritis is inflammation and swelling of the urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body). It causes pain or difficulty when urinating. The main causes of urethritis are bacteria, virus or chemical irritant.
Urethritis and urinary tract infection (UTI) are totally different conditions. Urethritis is something related to urethra only whereas UTI usually affects the whole of the urinary tract. It can be transmitted through unprotected sex. A woman with vaginal infection can pass it on to a male partner.
Both men and women can develop urethritis. Symptoms in men and women are different.
For women, symptoms include:
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- Pain with intercourse
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Fever and chills
- Stomach pain
- Itching
Symptoms in men include:
- Blood in urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Penile discharge
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Itching, tenderness, or swelling in the penis
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area
- Sometimes fever
What are risk factors of urethritis?
People who are more likely to have risk of urethritis include:
- Person having a history of sexually transmitted diseases
- Person engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour
What is the treatment for urethritis?
Your doctor may prescribe medications like antibiotics to treat the cause of the urethritis and to prevent the spread of infection.
To know in detail about the treatment, call Dr. Mangesh Patil, well known urologist in Mumbai. He is trained in Endourology and Robotic Surgery, with professional experience of more than 10 years. He is also one of the Best Onco surgeon in Mumbai dealing with Urological cancers.
How can I prevent urethritis?
Bacteria causing urethritis can get passed to another person through sexual contact. Therefore, it is always better to practice safe sex.
The tips below can help reduce your risk:
- Avoid having intercourse with multiple partners.
- Get tested regularly.
- Drink sufficient water and make sure you urinate shortly after intercourse.
- Avoid acidic foods.
- Avoid exposure to spermicides
Frequently Asked Questions About Urethritis
1.What causes urethritis?
Urethritis is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, and sometimes chemical irritants. The most common cause is a bacterial infection, especially a sexually transmitted infection such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
2. How do I know if I have urethritis?
Symptoms can vary and may include burning during urination, discharge from the penis and vagina, itchy and swollen genital areas, and painful intercourse. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention from a clinician.
3.How is urethritis treated?
Urethritis is treated using antibiotics and antiviral medication depending on the cause. It is therefore important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully in order to prevent the spread and recurrence of the infection.
4.Can I prevent urethritis?
To prevent the infection, it is important to observe safe sex by using condoms during intercourse and having fewer sex partners. It is also important to regularly test for sexually transmitted infections and urinate after intercourse. It is also important to maintain good personal hygiene.
5.Is urethritis the same as a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
No. It is not the same as a urinary tract infection. While a UTI affects the whole urinary system, including the kidneys and bladder, urethritis affects the part of the system where urine exits the body. While urethritis is commonly associated with sexually transmitted infections, UTIs are commonly associated with bacteria from the bladder.
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Dr. Mangesh Patil is a renowned Urologist, and is trained in Endourology and Robotic Surgery , with professional experience of more than 10 years .
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