Urethritis (Infection Of Urethra)
Description
Inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The disease is classified as gonococcal urethritis or non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). NGU has both infectious and non-infectious causes. In men, pustular (cloudy) discharge usually indicates a gonoccocal urethritis; while clear discharge indicates NGU. The disorder is difficult to diagnose in women because discharge may not be present. Both sexes may experience burning with urination. The causes of NGU are: adenovirus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Escherichia coli, Herpes simplex, Mycoplasma genitalium, Reiter's syndrome, and trichomonas.
Symptoms
Painful urination, discharge from the penis, itching of the penis.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. A urethral culture or urinary culture establishes the diagnosis. Urethral swabs yield better results in men.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder. Antibiotics will be prescribed if the cause is a bacterial infection.
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