What are the symptoms of male urethritis. How is urethritis diagnosed. What are the main causes of urethritis in men. Which natural remedies can help alleviate urethritis symptoms. How can urethritis be prevented.

Understanding Male Urethritis: An Overview

Urethritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. While it can affect both men and women, this article focuses specifically on male urethritis. This common urological issue affects millions of men worldwide each year, often causing discomfort and concern.

Male urethritis can be caused by various factors, including infections, irritants, and physical trauma. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for proper management and prevention of complications.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Male Urethritis

Identifying the signs of urethritis is the first step towards seeking appropriate treatment. While some men may experience no symptoms at all, others may notice several telltale signs:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Increased frequency and urgency to urinate
• Discharge from the penis
• Blood in urine or semen
• Itching or swelling of the penis
• Pain during sexual intercourse or ejaculation
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area

Is fever a common symptom of urethritis in men? Fever is rarely associated with urethritis, but when present, it may indicate a more severe infection or complications.

Exploring the Causes of Male Urethritis

Understanding the underlying causes of urethritis is essential for effective treatment and prevention. The condition can be broadly categorized into two types based on its cause:

Infectious Urethritis

This is the most common form of urethritis in men, typically caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can be further divided into:

• Gonococcal urethritis: Caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, responsible for about 20% of infectious cases.
• Non-gonococcal urethritis: Caused by other pathogens, accounting for approximately 80% of infectious cases.

Common infectious agents include:

• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Mycoplasma genitalium
• Ureaplasma urealyticum
• Trichomonas vaginalis
• Herpes simplex virus
• Adenovirus

Non-Infectious Urethritis

While less common, non-infectious urethritis can result from various factors:

• Physical trauma (e.g., from catheterization)
• Chemical irritants (e.g., spermicides, harsh soaps)
• Urethral stricture
• Autoimmune conditions

Can urethritis be caused by multiple factors simultaneously? Yes, it’s not uncommon for urethritis to have more than one cause, especially in cases of sexually transmitted infections.

Diagnosing Male Urethritis: What to Expect

Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of urethritis. Healthcare providers typically follow these steps:

1. Medical history: The doctor will inquire about symptoms, sexual activity, and potential exposures to STIs or irritants.
2. Physical examination: This includes inspecting the genital area for signs of inflammation or discharge.
3. Urinalysis: A urine sample is analyzed for the presence of white blood cells, bacteria, or other pathogens.
4. Urethral swab: A sample is taken from the urethra to test for specific bacteria or viruses.
5. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs): These highly sensitive tests can detect even small amounts of bacterial or viral genetic material.

Are blood tests necessary for diagnosing urethritis? While not always required, blood tests may be ordered to check for systemic infections or to rule out other conditions.

Conventional Treatment Approaches for Male Urethritis

The treatment of male urethritis typically depends on its underlying cause. Here are the main approaches:

Antibiotic Therapy

For bacterial infections, antibiotics are the primary treatment. Common antibiotics prescribed include:

• Azithromycin
• Doxycycline
• Ceftriaxone
• Metronidazole

The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific pathogen identified and local antibiotic resistance patterns.

Antiviral Medications

For viral causes such as herpes simplex virus, antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir may be prescribed.

Symptomatic Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation.

How long does it take for antibiotics to clear up urethritis? Most cases of bacterial urethritis improve within a week of starting antibiotic treatment. However, it’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed.

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Managing Urethritis

While medical treatment is often necessary, several natural approaches can complement conventional therapy and help alleviate symptoms:

1. Hydration

Drinking plenty of water can help flush out bacteria and reduce urinary tract irritation. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

2. Probiotics

Consuming probiotic-rich foods or supplements may help restore the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the urogenital tract, potentially reducing the risk of recurrent infections.

3. Cranberry Products

While more commonly associated with urinary tract infections, cranberry juice or supplements may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urethral lining.

4. Herbal Remedies

Some herbs with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties include:

• Goldenseal
• Echinacea
• Uva ursi
• Garlic

However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies, as they may interact with medications or have side effects.

5. Warm Sitz Baths

Sitting in a warm bath can help soothe irritation and reduce inflammation in the genital area.

Can dietary changes help manage urethritis symptoms? While no specific diet has been proven to cure urethritis, consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall immune function and promote healing.

Preventing Male Urethritis: Key Strategies

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some effective strategies to reduce the risk of developing urethritis:

• Practice safe sex: Use condoms consistently and correctly to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
• Maintain good hygiene: Clean the genital area regularly with mild soap and water.
• Avoid irritants: Steer clear of harsh soaps, spermicides, or other products that may irritate the urethra.
• Urinate after sexual activity: This can help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra during intercourse.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain urinary tract health.
• Get regular check-ups: If sexually active, consider regular STI screenings, even in the absence of symptoms.

Is it possible to develop immunity to urethritis? Unlike some infectious diseases, repeated exposure to urethritis-causing pathogens does not confer immunity. Each instance of infection requires appropriate treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Urethritis

While some cases of urethritis may resolve on their own, it’s important to know when professional medical care is necessary. Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening symptoms despite home care
• Fever or chills
• Severe pain or discomfort
• Blood in urine or semen
• Discharge from the penis that is thick, yellow, or green
• Symptoms that recur after treatment

Can untreated urethritis lead to complications? Yes, if left untreated, urethritis can potentially lead to more serious conditions such as prostatitis, epididymitis, or urethral stricture. In some cases, it may also affect fertility.

Understanding male urethritis, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for maintaining urological health. While medical intervention is often necessary, especially in cases of infectious urethritis, natural remedies and lifestyle changes can play a supportive role in managing symptoms and preventing recurrence. By staying informed and taking proactive steps towards prevention, men can reduce their risk of developing this common but uncomfortable condition. Remember, when in doubt, always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.

Urethritis + 5 Natural Ways to Relieve Urethritis Symptoms

Evidence Based

This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.

With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies.

Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased.

The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

By Katherine Brind’Amour, PhD, MS

July 29, 2018

Urethritis is inflammation of the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. It can be caused by infections, trauma or chemical irritants.

Most cases of urethritis require medication to heal and avoid long-term complications. However, you can also try some natural approaches to relieve symptoms at home.

What Is Urethritis?

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube you pee through — it carries urine out of the body. There are several possible causes of urethritis.

Sexually transmitted infections are the most common cause of urethritis. These cases are usually broken into two main types:

• Gonococcal urethritis — This is caused by the gonorrhea bacteria and makes up about 20 percent of infectious cases.
• Nongonoccocal urethritis — This is caused by bacteria other than gonorrhea but is still infectious. It causes about 80 percent of cases.

Cases caused by something other than bacteria or viruses are noninfectious urethritis. They are rare but can happen after injury or irritation to the urethra. This can be caused by urinary catheters, spermicide, antiseptic or other chemicals.

Urethritis is very common. About 4 million Americans are affected each year, and worldwide more than 150 million cases are reported per year. The problem is believed to be significantly underreported as well. (1)

Urethritis itself is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but it can be spread by sexual contact if the infection causing it (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia) is spread.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of urethritis are different for men and women. The most common symptom for both is pain while peeing and feeling an increased urge to pee. However, some people have no symptoms at all. It is most common in women. This is called asymptomatic urethritis. Still others have symptoms that are actually caused by a different condition, such as a urinary tract infection, urethral diverticulum, urethral prolapse or urethral caruncle.

Urethritis in men may cause symptoms that include: (2)

• Burning or pain while peeing
• Frequent or urgent need to pee
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Itchy, painful or swollen penis
• Discharge from the penis
• Enlarged groin lymph nodes
• Pain during sex or ejaculation
• Fever (rarely)

Urethritis symptoms in women include: (2, 3)

• Burning or pain while peeing
• Frequent or urgent need to pee
• Peeing only small amounts at a time
• Cloudy or foul-smelling pee
• Pain in the lower belly area
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Vaginal discharge
• Fever and chills 

Causes and Risk Factors

There are several main causes of urethritis. The most common is a bacterial infection. In some cases, the cause is not known. These cases may be considered urethral syndrome instead of urethritis. The general list of possible urethritis causes includes: (2, 4)

• Bacteria such as E. coli and the strains that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Parasites such as those that cause trichomoniasis
• Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus (HPV) and cytomegalovirus
• Trauma to the urethra, from a catheter or injury
• Irritation from chemicals found in spermicide, contraceptive jelly or foam, soaps or other topical products

It is not unusual for urethritis to be caused by more than one problem (for example, multiple bacteria strains) at once, especially in women. There are also cases of urethritis with unknown cause.

Risk factors for urethritis include: (2)

• Being female
• Being a male age 20 to 35
• Sexual activity that puts you at increased risk of a sexually transmitted infection. These include:
  • Having numerous sexual partners
  • Having sex without a condom
  • A history of sexually transmitted disease 

Conventional Treatment

Diagnosis of urethritis involves a physical exam to check for pain, swelling, discharge or tenderness. The health care provider may also order blood or urine tests to check for bacteria, viruses and other problems. You may be tested for HIV and syphilis. In women, a pregnancy test or pelvic ultrasound may also be done. Once the cause of inflammation is known, conventional treatment will be determined. Treatment varies by the cause of the condition and typically includes the following: (2, 4, 5, 6)

• For bacterial urethritis: You can expect a prescription for antibiotics and possibly a pain reliever. This helps ease pain, fight the infection and reduce your risk of passing the infection along to others.
  • These antibiotics include azithromycin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ofloxacin and erythromycin. Most of these are seven-day courses of treatment, but azithromycin is a single dose.
  • If you have infectious urethritis, your partner should go in for testing and treatment as well.
  • While you are being treated, and for at least one week after, you should avoid sex or use condoms to avoid passing the infection to others.
  • Always take the full course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better after a few days.
  • If your infection doesn’t clear up after taking antibiotics, you may be prescribed different antibiotics. Alternatively, the health care provider may search for other causes, such as a virus, trauma or topical problem.
• For viral urethritis: If there is an antiviral medication available to fight the type of virus you have, you may receive it. For example, acyclovir treats herpes simplex. Because test results take some time to come back, you may be prescribed antibiotics to take until the true cause is known.
• For temporary or mild urethritis caused by spermicide, soap, etc.: No treatment may be needed as symptoms may go away on their own, particularly once you stop using the product. However, if the pain or symptoms continue more than a day or two, or if they are joined by symptoms such as a fever or pain in the belly or back, nausea, or vomiting, seek care immediately.
  • You may be advised to stop using spermicides or other topical contraceptives.
  • It may be suggested that you avoid or limit vigorous sexual activity.
  • You may be told to increase the amount of water you drink.
  • If you use scented body products or soaps, you may be advised to switch to gentle, unscented products.
• For urethritis caused by injury or trauma: Depending on the cause of injury, you may require antibiotics to prevent or treat infection. If you have an item lodged in your penis, you may need both medication and professional medical assistance in removing it. In some cases, a health care professional may decide you do not need treatment for infection and may be able to wait for the inflammation to go away on its own.

Your doctor may also recommend prescription medication to ease burning and pain, or an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory. In most cases, urethritis can be cured by treating the underlying condition. However, sometimes symptoms last more than a few weeks or come and go. Urethritis that lasts six weeks or more is called chronic urethritis.

Untreated urethritis can lead to infections in other organs, with serious complications. Once it spreads, infection can be much harder to treat and symptoms may be much more painful or severe. Urethritis can also cause scarring in the urethra (called urethral stricture) or pelvis (causing pelvic inflammatory disease), which can lead to fertility problems. If the infection spreads to the blood and causes sepsis, it can be deadly. If your case is caused by a sexually transmitted infection, you are also at greater risk for urethral cancer.  

How to Manage Symptoms

In addition to following a health care professional’s advice for your urethritis treatment, you may wish to consider these natural options for symptom management: (7)

1. Drink lots of water

A publication by American Family Physician recommends that people with urethritis should drink plenty of water during and after treatment. (8) Drinking a generous amount of water each day helps flush bacteria out of the urethra, reduces the concentration of bacteria in the bladder and urine, and can reduce your chances of future infections. This is particularly important for women, who have a shorter urethra than men. (9)

The standard recommendation of about eight glasses of water per day is usually enough. Another option for calculating your minimum need is drinking a quart for every 50 pounds of body weight. You may need to drink more in hot weather or if you exercise. Spread your drinking out during the day, with the goal of urinating about once every 90 minutes. This means you’re regularly emptying your bladder and flushing out the urethra. (10)

2. Take care with hygiene

Some cases of urethritis are caused by bacteria from the anus, such as E. coli, getting into the urethra. Although most cases of urethritis don’t result from poor hygiene, taking good care of your genitals can help relieve symptoms in some cases and can help prevent future infections. These tips may help: (7, 11)

• Wash your genital area daily with water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Gently pat the area dry.
• In general, avoid scented body wash, soap, lotion and other products you apply on or near your genitals.
• Wipe from front to back to avoid moving stool into the urethra.
• Take showers instead of baths. If you do bathe, don’t add bubble bath, salts, shampoos, soaps or other things into the water.
• Don’t hold back when you feel you have to pee. Keeping urine in the bladder and urethra allows bacteria to accumulate.
• Don’t use genital deodorants, sprays or scented pads or underwear.
• Do not douche.
• Wear loose clothing and cotton underwear.

3. Adjust your sexual activity

The majority of cases of urethritis result from sexually transmitted infections and can be passed along to other people. Adjusting your sexual habits may help relieve symptoms and can also keep you from spreading the infection. Consider these recommendations: (7)

• Avoid sex while you have symptoms, during treatment and for a full seven days after you finish treatment. If you still have symptoms one week after completing treatment, call a health care professional and continue to avoid sex.
• If you do have sex, use a condom to avoid passing the infection to your partner.
• Use water-soluble lubricant without fragrances or dyes.
• Avoid spermicides, contraceptive jellies or foams, particularly if they have fragrances or chemicals that caused the irritation.
• Avoid trauma to the urethra by reducing or not taking part in vigorous sexual activity.

You can also reduce your chances of getting urethritis again by following these tips for safer sex: (4, 8)

• Get tested frequently for sexually transmitted infections if you have multiple partners.
• Limit your number of partners.
• Do not trade sex for money or drugs.
• Use a condom if you are not in a monogamous relationship with someone who is also infection-free.
• Do not have sex after drinking alcohol or using drugs.
• Go pee after having sex.

4. Tweak your diet

The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests that even though dietary changes aren’t confirmed as impacting urethritis, they may help some people. There is also evidence that diet impacts people with similar conditions affecting the urinary tract, such as interstitial cystitis. You can try adjusting what you eat and drink to see if it eases the pain in your urethra. Options include: (7, 12)

• Avoiding carbonated beverages, tea, fruit juice, alcohol and caffeine
• Limiting high-acid foods and drinks, including cranberry juice, tomato products, lemon juice and other citrus drinks
• Avoiding spicy foods, horseradish, vinegar, chili and peppers
• Eliminate artificial sweeteners and chocolate from your diet
• Limit highly spiced foods, such as Mexican, Thai and Indian cuisine
• Emphasize more water, milk, low-acid fruits (bananas, pears, honeydew, watermelon) and vegetables (cruciferous veggies, mushrooms, peas, squash and potatoes), meat, poultry and seafood, oats and rice, and snacks such as pretzels and popcorn

You can also try tracking your diet and symptoms to note if your urethritis gets worse after eating or drinking certain things. If you have had gut trouble from taking antibiotics in the past or if you are worried about overall bacterial balance, ask your health care provider about adding yogurt or a probiotic to your diet as well.

5. Consider herbal remedies

Natural remedies have long been used to treat irritation and infection in the urinary tract. Since most cases of urethritis are caused by sexually transmitted infections, you should see a health care provider for evaluation and medication if needed. If you are interested in trying herbal remedies or supplements to see if they help your symptoms, discuss them with your health care provider first. Some herbs and supplements can interact with medications or cause health problems in some people.

The following natural remedies have been used to ease urinary inflammation and infection-related symptoms:

• Cranberry. Although juice is now typically not considered helpful, standardized cranberry capsules have a high concentration of proanthocyanidins (PACs), which may help your body ease infection risk. (4)
• Agathosma betulina leaves (Buchu) or Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaves (Bearberry). Both of these are reportedly effective for fighting infection in the urinary system. “The Complete Medicinal Herbal: A Practical Guide to the Healing Properties of Herbs” recommends combining Buchu with couchgrass and yarrow for infusions or capsules. It also recommends adding corn silk to the concoction to ease burning. (13)
• Althaea officinalis leaves (marshmallow) has also been recommended for its use with urethritis. It is used in infusions and tinctures and can be combined with yarrow and buchu. (13)
• Whole-root, hot water extract preparations of Uvaria afzalii and Anthocliesta djalonensis were tested in the lab against non-gonococcal urethritis and found to be effective at killing many strains of bacteria known to cause the condition. (14)
• Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), Echineceae purpura (echinacea) and Equisetum arvense (horsetail) may also be useful. Some natural medicine research and traditional medical practice has found these and most of the herbs listed above to be at least somewhat effective at reducing inflammation, fighting infection, boosting the immune system or helping the body flush bacteria from the urinary system. (15)

Precautions

• The vast majority of urethritis cases require antibiotic treatment. Do not attempt to self-treat urethritis unless a trained health care professional has told you it is safe to do so.
• If you are prescribed antibiotics, take the entire course prescribed to you.
• In some cases, symptoms remain after treatment. If you do not feel better within one week of completing treatment, contact your health care provider again for follow-up.
• If you develop a fever, nausea or vomiting, pain in your pelvis or belly, or any serious change in symptoms, seek emergency care immediately. These may indicate the infection has spread to other parts of your body.
• If you suspect you have urethritis, do not delay seeking care. Untreated urethritis can cause fertility problems and/or allow the spread of infection to other people or to other parts of your body, which can be deadly.
• Do not add herbs or supplements to your regimen without first consulting a health care professional. Many herbs and supplements can interact with medications and body processes. This can change how well your prescribed medications work and result in dangerous health side effects.
• If your case of urethritis is caused by a sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, the diagnosis will be tracked by public health departments and you will be asked to provide the names or contact information for all of your recent sexual partners. Providing this information honestly and accurately is critical to protecting the health of these people.                                                                               

Final Thoughts

• Urethritis is inflammation of the tube that carries pee out of the body (the urethra). It is a very common infection.
• Most cases of urethritis are caused by sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes and others.
• Conventional treatment for urethritis usually involves a course of antibiotics. If they are ineffective, urethritis treatment without antibiotics may include antivirals, changes to hygiene or sexual practices, or over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medicines.
• If you are interested in a urethritis home remedy, be sure to consult a health care professional first. Left untreated, urethritis can cause complications that can lead to fertility problems or serious infections, which can be deadly.
• With treatment, urethritis symptoms usually disappear in a week or two. However, during treatment and for a full week afterward, you should avoid having unprotected sex. Any recent sexual partners should also be tested if your case is caused by a sexually transmitted infection.

5 Natural Strategies That May Help Relieve Urethritis Symptoms 

1. Drinking lots of water
2. Taking good care with hygiene
3. Adjusting your sexual activity
4. Tweaking your diet
5. Considering specific herbal remedies

Read Next: Bladder Cancer (+ 6 Natural Ways to Help Cancer Treatment)

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Urethral inflammation

Urethritis is an infection and inflammation of the lining of the urethra, the narrow tube that carries urine out of the body. In men, the urethra also carries semen. Urethritis is usually caused when bacteria from the anus travel to the urethra. The infection may affect the bladder, prostate, and reproductive organs. It may also be caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as herpes or chlamydia.

Urethritis can happen in men and women of all ages. Women, however, are at higher risk because the urethra is closer to the anus.

Signs and Symptoms

There may be no symptoms of urethritis, particularly in women. When there are, symptoms may include:

In men:

• Burning during urination
• Pus or whitish, mucous discharge from the penis
• Burning or itching around the opening of the penis
• Blood in the urine or semen

In women:

• Abdominal pain
• Painful urination
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Fever and chills
• Frequent, urgent urination

What Causes It?

• Bacteria and other organisms entering the urethra
• Bruising during sexual intercourse (in women)
• Infection reaching the urethra from the prostate gland or through the penis opening (in men)
• Bacterial infection after you have taken a course of antibiotics
• Reiter syndrome
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus, or HIV and AIDS

What to Expect at Your Doctor’s Office

Your doctor will examine your genitals, do laboratory tests on a urine sample, and take a specimen of mucus from inside the urethra and, in women, the vagina.

Treatment Options

• Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria causing the infection.
• All sex partners should be treated.
• You should not have sex until you complete treatment, because you can still have an infection even after your symptoms go away.

Prevention

• Limit your number of sexual partners.
• Always use condoms.
• If you have symptoms, or think you have an infection, seek treatment immediately and notify all sexual partners.
• Practice good personal hygiene.

Drug Therapies

Depending on the cause of the infection, your doctor may prescribe one of the following treatments:

• Amoxicillin
• Ampicillin
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
• Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Nutrition, herbs, and homeopathic remedies can help your body fight infection, relieve pain, and strengthen the urinary system. Always tell your doctor about the herbs and supplements you are using. Complementary therapies are best used in conjunction with conventional medical care as part of a coordinated approach among your health care providers to affect the best outcomes.

Nutrition and Supplements

• Cranberries contain substances that may keep bacteria from sticking to the urethra. Preliminary evidence suggests that drinking cranberry juice daily may help prevent urinary tract infections, especially in women who get infections often.
• Avoid caffeine and other stimulants.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water daily.

Herbs

Herbs are a way to strengthen and tone the body’s systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your doctor before starting treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, or teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. (5 g) herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaves or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

• Cranberry
  (
  Vaccinium macrocarpon
  ). Supplements to help prevent urethritis and urinary tract infections. You may also drink 8 to 16 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice daily. Cranberry supplements or juice may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix). People with kidney stones and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take cranberry supplements. People who are allergic to aspirin should not take large amounts of cranberry supplements. Cranberry can interact with a number of medications. Ask your doctor before taking cranberry supplements.
• Bromelain
  (
  Ananus comosus
  ). For pain and inflammation. Bromelain can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you already take blood thinners. People who are allergic to pineapple should not take bromelain. Ask your doctor before taking bromelain.

Homeopathy

Some of the most common remedies used for urethritis are listed below. Usually, the dose is 3 to 5 pellets of a 12X to 30C remedy every 1 to 4 hours until symptoms improve.

• Staphysagria
  . For urinary infections associated with sexual intercourse.
• Apis mellifica
  . For stinging pains that are made worse by warmth.
• Cantharis
  . For intolerable urging with “scalding” urine.
• Sarsaparilla
  . For burning after urination.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may help strengthen your overall immune system and help relieve pain from urethritis.

Following Up

If your urethritis was caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD), your sexual partners may need to be treated as well. Possible complications for men include:

• Cystitis
• Epididymitis
• Prostatitis

Possible complications for women include:

• Cystitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Fertility problems
• Other gynecological problems

Special Considerations

STDs can cause permanent damage to reproductive organs and infertility in both sexes. They can also cause problems during pregnancy, premature delivery, low birth weight, and infections in newborns.

Supporting Research

Bally F, Troillet N. Diagnosis and treatment of urethritis.
Rev Med Suisse
. 2006;2(82):2282-2284, 2286.

Beerepoot MA, ter Riet G, Nys S, et al. Cranberries vs antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infections: a randomized double-blind noninferiority trial in premenopausal women.
Arch Intern Med
. 2011;171(14):1270-1278.

Berntsson M, Tunback P. Clinical and microscopic signs of cervicitis and urethritis: correlation with Chlamydia trachomatis infection in female STI patients.
Acta Derm Venerol
. 2013;93(2):230-233.

Cabrera C, Artacho R, Gimenez R. Beneficial effects of green tea — a review.
J Am Coll Nutr
. 2006;25(2):79-99.

Cvetnic Z, Vladimir-Knezevic S. Antimicrobial activity of grapefruit seed and pulp ethanolic extract.
Acta Pharm
. 2004;54(3):243-250.

Dieterle S. Urogenital infections in reproductive medicine.
Andrologia
. 2008;40(2):117-119.

Doron S, Gorbach SL. Probiotics: their role in the treatment and prevention of disease.
Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther
. 2006;4(2):261-275.

Dryden GW Jr, Deaciuc I, Arteel G, McClain CJ. Clinical implications of oxidative stress and antioxidant therapy.
Curr Gastroenterol Rep
. 2005;7(4):308-316.

Gonclaves C, Dinis T, Batista MT. Antioxidant properties of proanthocyanidins of Uncaria tomentosa bark decoction: a mechanism for anti-inflammatory activity.
Phytochemistry
. 2005;66(1):89-98.

Hale LP, Greer PK, Trinh CT, James CL. Proteinase activity and stability of natural bromelain preparations.
Int Immunopharmacol
. 2005;5(4):783-793.

Heitzman ME, Neto CC, Winiarz E, Vaisberg AJ, Hammond GB. Ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Uncaria (Rubiaceae).
Phytochemistry
. 2005;66(1):5-29.

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Treatment of urethritis with folk remedies for men

Description of the disease

Urethritis is an inflammatory disease of the urethra (urethra). Urologists distinguish 2 types of the disease: infectious and non-infectious.

The first includes inflammatory processes that have arisen against the background of venereal diseases (syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomonellosis, genital herpes), as well as ailments caused by infections of a non-venereal nature (fungal, viral, bacterial).

Noninfectious urethritis can be caused by damage to the urethra, an allergic reaction to a food or medication, or a metabolic disorder. The disease can be acute or chronic. It is contagious in any phase and is easily transmitted sexually.

Read our next article if you want to know more about male urethritis and its symptoms, and home remedies are detailed below.

Indications and contraindications

Traditional medicine recipes are especially effective at the beginning of the disease. They are more often used in the chronic form of the disease, with exacerbations, drug treatment is more effective. Therapy should be carried out under the supervision of a physician.

In case of a disease of a venereal nature, the process is controlled by a venereologist, non-infectious and non-venereal urethritis is treated by a urologist. It is impossible to be limited to folk remedies. They can remove some of the symptoms, but they are not able to eliminate the cause of the disease, which will make itself felt with a quick relapse.

Alternative therapy has a number of contraindications. Self-prepared preparations should not be used in:

• severe forms of chronic disease;
• diabetes mellitus;
• renal and hepatic insufficiency;
• autoimmune diseases;
• malignant tumors;
• allergies to certain types of herbs.

Attention! For the successful treatment of urethritis by alternative methods, it is important not to exceed the dosage. Excessive use of home remedies can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, seizures, and sleep and appetite disturbances.

Treatment should be discontinued immediately if symptoms persist. It is worth considering that some plants can weaken or change the effect of medicines, so you should consult a doctor before starting self-treatment.

The role of medicinal plants

Treatment of urethritis includes 2 main directions : getting rid of the infection and restoring the affected walls of the urethra. The doctor prescribes a complex of drugs, including antibiotics in the form of tablets, capsules and injections, as well as drugs for external exposure.

Drug treatment of urethritis in men can be supplemented with folk remedies. When used correctly, they can:

1. Gently act on the bladder, accelerating the release of urine and flushing the urethra.
2. Strengthen the body’s defenses and improve resistance to disease.
3. Prevent inflammation and suppuration, accelerate tissue repair.
4. Weaken the action of microorganisms.
5. Strengthen and supplement the action of industrial medicines.
6. Relieve pain, itching and burning, soothe, restore comfort during and after urination.

Alternative medicine actively uses herbal treatment of urethritis, which can be used alone or in combination . Raw materials are purchased at a pharmacy or collected independently. It should not be damaged or stale. Expired herbs for urethritis cannot be used, they lose almost all healing properties.

Used to treat urethritis St. John’s wort, horsetail, meadowsweet, shepherd’s purse, bear’s ears, knotweed, tansy and immortelle flowers, hop and coriander fruits, pharmacy chamomile, harrow or calamus root, sage, wheatgrass, cumin, marshmallow, nettle, yarrow.

Herbs are brewed with boiling water and infused, after straining they are drunk as tea or medicinal tincture, used for sitz baths, lotions, compresses and washings. The course of treatment depends on the condition of the patient, usually it lasts 1-2 months .

During this period, you can alternately use different folk remedies for the treatment of urethritis, using each of them for 5-7 days.

Treatment of urethritis with folk remedies

For oral administration, prepare a healing infusion of blackcurrant . Pour a handful of fresh leaves with 2 cups of boiling water and insist under the lid for 1 hour. Ready infusion is drunk instead of regular tea or taken 0.5 cup before meals.

The agent has a good diuretic, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effect. You can supplement the therapy with fresh blackcurrant berries.

They are best eaten without sugar as an afternoon dessert or light snack. Berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and natural acids.

A decoction of cowberry leaf has a pronounced diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect. 2 tbsp. spoons of raw materials are poured with a liter of boiling water, heated in a water bath for 5-7 minutes, poured into a thermos and insisted for 2 hours.

After straining, the decoction is divided into 4 portions and drunk before meals during the day. The drink can be alternated with lingonberry or cranberry juice. You can sweeten fruit drinks with liquid honey (no more than 1 teaspoon per glass of drink).

Good restorative and diuretic – parsley decoction. 80 g of fresh chopped greens are poured into milk (1 cup), then evaporated in the oven or oven to half the volume. Ready concentrated broth is filtered and taken before meals (100 ml per serving).

Another version of the diuretic and antimicrobial decoction is being prepared based on couch grass . 2 tbsp. spoons of crushed roots are poured into a glass of cold water and infused for 10-12 hours.

After that, the water is poured into a separate container, a glass of boiling water is added to the soaked raw material and infused for 10 minutes. The broth is filtered, the drained liquid is added to it. The drug should be drunk before meals for 0. 5 cups. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.

An infusion of cornflower flowers has a strengthening and antimicrobial effect. 2 tbsp. spoons of crushed raw materials are poured with 2 cups of boiling water and insisted under the lid for 2-3 hours. The finished product is filtered and drunk before meals during the day.

linden decoction will help relieve burning and pain . 1 st. a spoonful of linden blossom is poured into a glass of boiling water, heated in a water bath for 10 minutes, insisted for half an hour, filtered and drunk before going to bed. It is not worth storing the broth; a fresh portion is prepared daily.

Try herbal tonic mixed herbs . Mix in equal proportions horsetail, elder flowers, rose hips and juniper. 2 tbsp. spoons of the collection pour 2 cups of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, strain. Divide liquid into 2 servings and drink 10 minutes before meals.

You can supplement the treatment of male urethritis with folk remedies with healing soothing tea . In a separate container, mix dried mint, lemon balm, raspberry leaves, rose hips and hawthorn.

Boil a handful of raw materials with a liter of boiling water, leave for half an hour and drink like regular tea. You can add a little honey for taste.

Useful warm sitz baths . They soothe, eliminate burning sensation in the urethra, have a disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect.

Pour a handful of dried or fresh chamomile with a liter of boiling water, warm it up for 5-10 minutes, let it steep for another 15-20 minutes under the lid.

After straining, the decoction is poured into a shallow basin and diluted with warm water. The procedure lasts 10-15 minutes, it is better to do it in the evening, before going to bed. The same baths can be prepared from stinging nettle, willow bark, chestnut or oak, burnet, celandine.

An excellent alternative to dry raw materials – pharmacy tinctures for alcohol. Pour 100 ml of eucalyptus or calendula tincture into a bowl of warm water.

Sit in the basin for 10 minutes, rinsing the skin after the procedure is not necessary. Herbs have antimicrobial, decongestant and soothing effects, 4-5 procedures are needed per course.

sage decoction lotion will help relieve inflammation . Pour a handful of raw materials with a liter of water and boil for 10 minutes.

Steep covered for 40 minutes, strain. Soak a cotton swab in the liquid and apply to the urethra so that the decoction flows freely, washing the affected tissues. The procedure lasts 5-7 minutes.

How to supplement therapy?

Not only folk remedies for urethritis will help speed up recovery, but also a correct lifestyle . Do not abuse alcohol, stop smoking, do not lift heavy things and avoid hypothermia. A good night’s sleep and the absence of stress are very important.

Not the last role in the treatment of urethritis is a balanced diet . The patient should drink at least 1. 5 fluids per day. Preference is given to pure non-carbonated water, homemade fruit drinks, herbal decoctions.

Drinks that cause dehydration should be excluded from the diet: strong black tea, natural or instant coffee, soda and caffeinated energy drinks. Prohibited foods containing excess salt and carcinogens: smoked meats, pickles, fast food, canned fish, meat and vegetables.

The menu should include natural diuretics that nourish the body with vitamins, micro and macro elements: sodium, potassium, calcium. Cucumbers, zucchini, watermelons, melons, pumpkins, red and black berries are especially useful. Salads, soups, mashed potatoes, kissels and other healthy dishes are prepared from vegetables and fruits.

Urethritis is quite treatable . Its success depends on properly selected drugs, compliance with all doctor’s prescriptions, and a balanced diet. The combination of drug therapy and folk remedies will speed up recovery and avoid relapses.

Useful video

From the video below you can learn about other folk recipes that are great for treating male urethritis:

Chronic and acute urethritis: causes: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of urethritis in Moscow

In the primary form of the disease, the inflammatory process begins to develop directly in the urethra. If the urethritis is secondary, then the infection enters the urethra from an inflammatory focus already present in some other organ (bladder, prostate gland, neighboring pelvic organs, seminal vesicles, and others). Primary urethritis, as a rule, occurs when infection occurs at the time of sexual contact.

Non-infectious urethritis can occur due to trauma to the urethra – such damage is possible when a catheter is inserted into the bladder, examining its inner surface with a cystoscope (cystoscopy), the passage of a stone, as a result of an allergic reaction, with congestion in the pelvic area.

Infectious urethritis is caused by various pathogens – gonococci, chlamydia, mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas, gardnerella, Trichomonas and others. A representative of this group of urethritis is bacterial urethritis, the diagnosis of which can only be made by obtaining laboratory tests showing the absence of gonococci, in contrast to an inflammatory process in the urethra called non-gonococcal urethritis. This type of urethritis deserves special attention because of its significant prevalence and duration of treatment.

By visiting the network of NEARMEDIC clinics, you will save your time, because here you can take the necessary tests, consult with specialists, undergo a hardware examination and receive specialized treatment – and all this in one place.

The network of NEARMEDIC clinics guarantees the high professionalism of doctors, attention to each patient and an individual approach to the problems of the patient.

Acute urethritis

Acute urethritis usually appears about 5-7 days after infection.

The main symptoms of this disease:

• burning, cutting or pain at the beginning of urination;
• discharge from the urethra in the morning. The discharge is usually profuse, blue-green in color, mucopurulent in nature, and have an unpleasant odor.
• swelling of the mucous membrane in the region of the external opening of the urethra, adhesion of the external opening of the urethra is often observed;
• pain when touching the posterior wall of the urethra.

Chronic urethritis

If a patient with acute urethritis did not pay due attention to the symptoms of urethritis and decided to endure the discomfort, then after a while all the signs of the disease may disappear by themselves. This suggests that the body has managed to suppress inflammation on its own. But the body cannot get rid of all pathogens, and then the urethritis passes into the chronic stage.

Chronic urethritis appears in the following cases:

• insufficient treatment of the acute stage of the disease;
• extension of the gonorrheal process to the prostate and posterior urethra;
• reduced immunity of the patient’s body.

Treatment of urethritis

and is successfully treated by specialists from the NEARMEDIC clinic network using effective methods and modern means. In this case, first of all, the infection (the cause of the disease) is eliminated, and, secondly, the condition of the walls of the urethra is normalized

The main treatment for urethritis is antibiotic therapy. There are many modern drugs from the group of antibiotics, and a specialist urologist for each patient chooses the most effective drug for him, first of all, based on laboratory data. The course of treatment can last from a week to several weeks, depending on the stage of the disease and its severity.

Urethritis in women is an inflammatory process that has developed in the urethra.

In the network of NEARMEDIC clinics, diseases of the urinary tract are treated quickly and effectively by qualified doctors, for whom the health of the patient is an indicator of the quality of their work.

Urethritis in women

Symptoms of urethritis in women

In some cases, the disease may be asymptomatic, which makes it very difficult to identify and delay treatment. The most common symptoms of urethritis in women are:

• Pain in the urethra;
• Pain at the beginning of bladder emptying or during the entire process of urination.

Urinary tract infections in women develop from many factors, including malnutrition, reduced immunity, hormonal changes (for example, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), the presence of urolithiasis, infections (mycoplasma, gonococcus, chlamydia, ureaplasma, trichomonas) .

Treatment of urethritis in women

In women, this disease is treated by gynecologists and urologists. Treatment of urethritis in women is to eliminate the infection and normalize the immune system. For preventive purposes, it is necessary to restore the microflora of the vagina (by saturating it with beneficial bacteria), avoid stress, lack of sleep, hypothermia, maintain personal hygiene, regularly have sex only with trusted partners, and use condoms. Doctors also recommend drinking more fluids, limiting antibiotics and undergoing examinations by a gynecologist.

The NEARMEDIC network of clinics uses the latest methods of treating urethritis in women, which is why it is possible to recover from this disease in a short period of time – the course lasts from several days to one month. Remember that running urethritis becomes chronic with the occurrence of complications.

We also note that both partners should always treat the disease, since the remaining infection is a great risk of re-infection.

Urethritis in men

Urethritis in men rarely develops as a separate disease. It proceeds, as a rule, in an acute form, and it is often accompanied by inflammation of the genital organs.

Highly qualified specialists of the NEARMEDIC network of clinics successfully cure this disease using the latest methods and drugs.

Symptoms of urethritis in men

• Presence of purulent discharge from the urethra, which is pale yellow or yellowish green in color with an unpleasant odor;
• Frequent urge to urinate;
• Sharp pains, burning, cutting in the urethra, both during urination and at rest;
• Increased body temperature.

In the acute form, pus is profusely secreted, the urethra itself becomes painful and swollen, the patient feels burning, pain or itching when urinating. Among the symptoms of urethritis, physicians also call minimal spotting that appears at the end of the act of urination.

When this disease becomes chronic, the edema subsides, the amount of discharge from the urethra decreases, however, this does not mean at all that the disease has gone away on its own, in fact, it simply hid. If urethritis in men is not treated, an advanced disease threatens with serious complications in the form of inflammation of the seminal vesicles, inflammation of the epididymis, chronic prostatitis, and narrowing of the lumen of the urethra. These severe diseases are caused by bacteria that have settled in the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. Chronic urethritis in women, if not treated on time, can lead to.

Treatment of urethritis in men

Treatment of urethritis in men today is carried out with the help of antibacterial agents and anti-inflammatory drugs, for which the effect of short courses (they are prescribed for 3-5 days) is proven, and it is also recommended to maintain a plentiful drinking regimen.