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URETHRITIS

Urethritis is swelling, irritation and/or inflammation of the urethra - the tube that carries urine from the body. The symptoms of urethritis can include pain or a burning sensation upon urination (dysuria), a white/cloudy discharge and a feeling that you need to pass urine frequently, however as with many STD's -  there are often no obvious symptoms.

Urethritis can be caused by a number of organisms and by a number of non-infectious causes, including urethral stricture, foreign bodies, trauma or injury, Reiter's syndrome, and various autoimmune and allergic conditions. However of  these many causes, the vast majority are due to either Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia. It is currently estimated that 50% of non-gonoccocal urethritis (i.e. not caused by gonorrhoea) cases are caused by chlamydia, with the remainder due to the various other causes.

If tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea are negative and the cause has not been otherwise identified, the term 'non-specific urethritis' (NSU) is used.

TREATMENT

Treatment for NSU is based on antibiotics, and otherwise as part of the treatment for the underlying cause, such as Chlamydia. If left untreated, future  complications can be serious, including epididymitis and infertility. Safe sex and specifically the use of latex condoms during sexual activity greatly reduces the likelihood of infection.

PLEASE NOTE:
The information provided is intended only as a general guide to provide an overview of the condition. It must not be relied upon for any medical purpose.
Symptoms can vary a great deal from person to person, and the symptoms for various conditions can be identical.  
We therefore advise strongly against any self-diagnosis or self treatment based on this information and indeed, as a general principle.

The identification and treatment of any condition should be conducted only by a medical professional after due consultation.

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