Urethritis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
What is urethritis?
Urethritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube where urine passes from the bladder to the outside of the body.
What increases my risk for urethritis?
- Being a man who has sex with men
- More than 1 current sex partner
- A sexually transmitted infection (STIs), such as chlamydia, mycoplasma, or trichomonas
- Sex with a female partner who has bacterial vaginosis, or with any partner who has a urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Bath soap, douches, or spermicides
- Irritation from tight clothes or activities such as bicycle riding
- A medical condition, such as Sjogren syndrome
- Thin, dry vaginal tissue from a lack of estrogen during menopause
What are the signs and symptoms of urethritis?
- Discharge from your penis or vagina that may be yellow-green, clear, or white
- Feeling like you need to urinate more often than usual
- Abdominal pain
- Pain or a burning feeling when you urinate, or cloudy urine first thing in the morning
- Pain or itchiness in your penis or vagina, or lesions on your genitals
- Pain when you have sex
How is urethritis diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask you about medical conditions you have had. You may need any of the following tests:
- Blood tests may be done to check for STIs.
- Urine or urethral fluid tests may be checked for white blood cells, bacteria, or viruses. A sample of fluid from your urethra may be sent to a lab to be tested. You may be asked not to urinate for 2 hours before your exam. This helps prevent bacteria from being flushed out of your urethra before a urine sample can be taken.
How is urethritis treated?
- Antibiotic medicine may be given to help treat an infection caused by bacteria. You and any sex partner within the past 60 days must be treated to prevent an infection from spreading.
- Analgesic medicine helps numb the bladder and urethra. This medication is available over the counter or by prescription.
How can I manage my symptoms?
- Sit in a warm bath. Do this for 15 minutes at least 2 times each day, or as directed.
- Do not use chemical irritants. This includes bath soaps, spermicides, or other products that may cause irritation.
How can urethritis be prevented?
If your urethritis was caused by an infection, the following may help prevent the spread:
- Ask when it is safe to have sex. This includes oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Wait until you or your partner has finished treatment.
- Use condoms. Wear a condom during oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Ask for more information about the correct way to use condoms.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about pregnancy. If you are female, tell your provider if you think you are pregnant or are planning pregnancy. If you are male, tell your provider if your female partner is or may be pregnant. Treatment may be given to prevent an infection from being spread to the baby during delivery.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You have pain and swelling in your scrotum or vaginal area.
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- You have a fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have a fever.
- You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
- You continue to have signs or symptoms after treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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