Urethritis

Introduction of Urethritis

Urethritis is a condition that affects the urinary organs of the human body. It is
a condition prevalent in both men and women. It can be described as a
condition during which the urethra gets inflamed. The urethra is the tube that
carries urine and semen outside the body through the urinary organs. One of
the mainsymptoms of Urethritisis experiencing a pain during urination,
known as dysuria.

Causes of Urethritis

Urethritis is generally caused due tosexually transmitted diseases(STDs)

like gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. It can also be caused by the transmission of
bacteria like the herpes virus infection during unsafe sexual practices. However,
the relation to these STDs and actual urethritis is not clear. They can also be
caused by any infection of the urinary canal. The inflammation occurs due to the
accumulation of the white blood corpuscles in theurinary tract.
Urethritis can also occur due tokidney stones,spinal cord injuryor if the
immune system is not up to its regular activities. Individuals with diabetes are
more prone to have urinary tract infections, which may finally lead to urethritis.
Urethritis can also be caused by irritation due to soaps and lotions used.
Ingredients used in contraceptive products are also a cause of the irritation. In
rare cases, the condition can be caused due to the manipulation of the urethra
during medical or other processes. This can be further complicated with a
bacterial infection.

Symptoms of Urethritis

Burning or itching sensation while urination

Increase in the urge of urination
Blood in urineor semen
Itching or tenderness in the penis
Painful sexual intercourse
Nausea, vomiting and high fever

Treatments of Urethritis

There are many types of urethritis and only some do requiremedical care. For
example, urethritis arising from the use of a new soap or lotion does not need
any medical attention. However, if the same occurs after a medical procedure,
medical care is required.
Though urethritis in itself rarely requires immediate treatment, some of its
symptoms may indicate that the infection has gone beyond the urinary tract. If
any foreign object has been lodged into the urethra or theurinary tract,
immediate medical attention is required. Such a situation can create an
infection.
There are some medical tests that are used todiagnose urethritis. These tests
include urine test, rectal test, blood Sample, swab from the urethra.

Potential complications associated with Urethritis

There are many potential complications associated with infections that originate and
grow in the urethra. In some instances, the infection and inflammation experienced in
the urethra may cause the space within this component of the urinary system to narrow
drastically. Many individuals may also develop infections in the other components of the
urinary system.
It is common for the bladder or the kidneys to become infected with the infection that
started in the urethra. If you feel as if you have an infection in the urethra, you should
visit your doctor for acomplete evaluation. If a diagnosis is confirmed there are
treatments available that will prevent potential complications such as those outlined
here.