Urethritis typically causes pain while urinating and an increased urge to urinate. The primary cause of urethritis is usually infection by bacteria.
Urethritis is not the same as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, while a UTI is an infection of the urinary tract. They may have similar symptoms, but require different methods of treatment depending on the underlying cause of the urethritis.
Urethritis affects people of all ages. Both males and females can develop the condition. However, females have a greater chance of developing the condition than males. This is partly because men’s urethras, which are the length of the penis, are much longer than women’s. A woman’s urethra is typically one and a half inches long. That makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra.
Symptoms of men urethritis:
- Blood in urine or semen
- Discharge from penis
- Itching or burning
- Pain and burning sensation while urethritis
Symptoms of Women urethritis:
- Vaginal discharge
- Fever and chills
- Frequent urge of urination
- Irritation at the urethral opening
Urethritis Causes:
Most episodes of urethritis are caused by infection by bacteria that enter the urethra from the skin around the urethra’s opening. Bacteria that commonly cause urethritis include:
- Gonococcus, which is sexually transmitted and causes gonorrhea.
- Chlamydia trachomatis, which is sexually transmitted and causes chlamydia.
- Bacteria in and around stool.
Diagnosis of Urethritis
Physical examination, including the genitals, abdomen, and rectum. Urine tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other bacteria. Examination of any discharge under a microscope.
