Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In a penis, the urethra also carries semen.
Urethritis is often caused by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia or herpes simplex virus. For more information about gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes simplex virus, visit HealthLinkBC File #08a Gonorrhea, HealthLinkBC File #08l Chlamydia and HealthLinkBC File #08d Genital herpes.
Other organisms that are not sexually transmitted can infect the urethra. For example, the normal bacteria that grow in the genital area can infect the urethra. In other cases, urethritis can be caused by infections of the bladder or prostate, recent procedures or trauma that may involve the urethra, anatomical issues or irritants to the urethra.
To find out if you have urethritis, you should be examined by a health care provider and have lab tests done.
Sexual abuse must be considered if there are symptoms of unexplained or repeated infections in children.
The sexually transmitted organisms that can cause urethritis spread through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex.
Symptoms of urethritis can include:
Other than the usual symptoms of urethritis, adults or children may also experience:
It’s also possible to have urethritis and not have any symptoms.
If the urethritis is caused by a bacteria and is not treated, it can lead to pain and swelling in one or both testicles and may cause infertility.
Urethritis that is caused by bacteria may be treated with antibiotic pills. For effective treatment, carefully follow the treatment instructions and, if you were given pills, finish them all.
If the infection was sexually transmitted, sexual partners should be tested and treated. It takes time for the infection to clear from the body, so it’s important that you do not have any oral, vaginal or anal sex for 7 days after you and your partner(s) start the antibiotic treatment.
If you or your partner(s) do not finish the treatment, miss pills or have unprotected sex before you have finished all of the medication, the infection could stay in your body or may be passed back to you or your partner(s). It could cause health problems later. If this happens, talk with your health care provider who will help you to decide if you or your partners need more treatment. Your health care provider may offer other treatments if another cause is identified.
These are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting an STI:
For more information on how you can reduce your chance of getting an STI, visit HealthLinkBC File #08o Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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