Urethritis

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Infections, including some sexually transmitted infections, are common causes, but irritation, injury, or medical procedures can also trigger it. Urethritis can affect people of any sex. Some cases are infectious and can spread to sexual partners, while noninfectious urethritis does not spread from person to person.

Infectious urethritis may spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with a partner who has an infection. Common sexually transmitted causes include gonorrhea and chlamydia, although other organisms can also be responsible. Urethritis caused by irritation, trauma, or other noninfectious inflammation does not spread from person to person.

Infections can spread without symptoms

A person can pass an infection to a partner without knowing it because some sexually transmitted infections cause few or no symptoms. Sexual partners should follow a clinician’s advice about testing and treatment, even if they feel well. Avoid sex until treatment instructions have been completed and a clinician says it is safe to resume sexual activity.

Urethritis occurs when the lining of the urethra becomes inflamed. Infectious causes include gonorrhea, chlamydia, Mycoplasma genitalium, and other organisms, but a specific cause is not always identified. Laboratory testing helps determine whether the inflammation is infectious and which treatment may be appropriate.

Noninfectious triggers can include friction, urinary catheterization or other procedures, injury, and chemical irritants such as some personal-care products. These cases are managed differently from sexually transmitted infections, so do not assume that every case of urethritis needs the same medicine.

Some risk factors are modifiable, such as condom use, avoiding known irritants, and seeking prompt testing after a possible exposure. Other factors may not be controllable, including having an infected partner or needing a urinary procedure. A healthcare professional can help assess individual risk and recommend appropriate testing.

Prompt testing and treatment can reduce the risk of complications. Persistent symptoms after treatment may result from reinfection, an untreated partner, antibiotic resistance, or a different diagnosis, so follow-up is important.

Diagnosis begins with questions about symptoms, sexual and medical history, medicines, and possible exposure to irritants. A clinician may examine the genitals and urethral opening for discharge or irritation, but a visual examination alone cannot confirm the cause. Laboratory testing is often needed to guide treatment.

Treatment depends on the suspected or confirmed cause. Clinician-prescribed antibiotics are used for bacterial or sexually transmitted causes, but the specific drug and duration vary. Antibiotic selection may change if resistance is suspected, so do not use leftover antibiotics or share medicine with someone else.

Supportive care and medication safety

Drink fluids as appropriate, avoid suspected chemical or mechanical irritants, and take prescribed medicine exactly as directed. Sexual partners may need testing and treatment when an infection is involved. Avoid sex until the clinician’s instructions are met, and return for reassessment if symptoms persist or recur.

Condoms and other barrier methods reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Screening recommendations depend on factors such as age, sex, pregnancy status, sexual practices, and local clinical guidance. Ask a healthcare professional which testing is appropriate for you.

Many cases of urethritis improve with appropriate treatment, but symptom resolution can take time. Recovery depends on the cause, following the treatment plan, avoiding reinfection, and whether antibiotic resistance is present.

Persistent discharge, pain, or burning warrants reassessment. A clinician may check for reinfection, an untreated partner, another sexually transmitted infection, antibiotic resistance, or a noninfectious condition.