DISEASE SCANNER
Global Incurable Diseases Tracker
Urethritis
Inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Most commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea) but can also be non-infectious. Affects both men and women, though symptoms are more prominent in men.
2.0M
111
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Risk Factors
Diagnostic Methods
- 1Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs)
- 2Urine sample testing
- 3Urethral swab
- 4Gram stain of discharge
- 5Urine culture (exclude UTI)
- 6Viral testing (HSV)
- 7Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma testing
Prognosis
Excellent with appropriate antibiotics; symptoms resolve within 1-2 weeks. Untreated can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (women), epididymitis (men), and infertility. Reinfection common if partners not treated. Follow-up testing recommended to confirm cure, especially for gonorrhea.
Prevention
- Consistent condom use
- Limit sexual partners
- Regular STI screening
- Prompt treatment of infections
- Partner notification and treatment
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk
Research Status
Antibiotics specific to identified pathogen (azithromycin or doxycycline for chlamydia; ceftriaxone for gonorrhea). Dual therapy recommended due to co-infection risk. Partner treatment essential to prevent reinfection. Abstinence until treatment complete. Multidrug-resistant gonorrhea is emerging concern.
Affected Countries
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/urethritis-and-cervicitis.htm
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urethritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353448
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/urethritis
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.