What are the most common symptoms of urethritis. What causes this condition and who is at risk. How can you find relief from urethritis symptoms naturally at home. What treatment options are available for urethritis.

Understanding Urethritis: An Overview

Urethritis refers to inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This condition affects millions of people worldwide each year, with an estimated 4 million cases occurring annually in the United States alone. Though treatable, urethritis can cause significant discomfort and complications if left unaddressed.

What exactly causes urethritis? While sexually transmitted infections are the most common culprits, accounting for the majority of cases, urethritis can also result from other factors:

• Bacterial infections (both sexually transmitted and non-sexually transmitted)
• Viral infections
• Parasitic infections
• Physical trauma or injury to the urethra
• Chemical irritants

Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for proper treatment and prevention of recurrence. Let’s explore the symptoms, risk factors, and natural approaches for managing this condition.

Recognizing the Signs: Urethritis Symptoms in Men and Women

Urethritis can manifest differently in men and women, though some symptoms overlap. Is urethritis always symptomatic? Interestingly, some individuals may experience asymptomatic urethritis, particularly women, making regular check-ups important for those at risk.

Common Urethritis Symptoms in Men:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Increased urge to urinate
• Discharge from the penis
• Pain or swelling of the penis
• Blood in urine or semen
• Discomfort during sexual activity

Urethritis Symptoms in Women:

• Burning sensation while urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Pelvic pain or discomfort
• Vaginal discharge
• Pain during intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain

Do these symptoms always indicate urethritis? Not necessarily. Similar symptoms can be caused by other conditions like urinary tract infections or certain vaginal health issues. This underscores the importance of proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional.

Unraveling the Causes: What Leads to Urethritis?

Understanding the root causes of urethritis is essential for effective treatment and prevention. While sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are the primary culprits, other factors can also lead to this condition.

Infectious Causes of Urethritis:

1. Gonococcal Urethritis: Caused by the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea, this type accounts for about 20% of infectious cases.
2. Non-gonococcal Urethritis: This category includes infections caused by other bacteria, such as chlamydia, and comprises roughly 80% of infectious cases.
3. Viral Infections: Herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus (HPV), and cytomegalovirus can also lead to urethritis.
4. Parasitic Infections: Trichomoniasis, caused by a parasite, is another potential cause.

Non-Infectious Causes of Urethritis:

• Physical trauma to the urethra (e.g., from catheterization or injury)
• Chemical irritants (found in spermicides, contraceptive products, or harsh soaps)
• Allergic reactions to personal care products

Can urethritis have multiple causes simultaneously? Indeed, it’s not uncommon for urethritis, especially in women, to result from more than one factor. This complexity highlights the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches.

Who’s at Risk? Understanding Urethritis Risk Factors

Certain demographic and lifestyle factors can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing urethritis. Recognizing these risk factors can aid in prevention and early detection.

Key Risk Factors for Urethritis:

• Being female (women are more susceptible to certain types of urethritis)
• Being a male between the ages of 20 and 35
• Engaging in unprotected sexual activity
• Having multiple sexual partners
• History of sexually transmitted infections
• Use of urinary catheters
• Frequent use of spermicides or other potentially irritating personal care products

Does having these risk factors guarantee you’ll develop urethritis? Not necessarily, but they do increase your chances. Taking preventive measures, such as practicing safe sex and maintaining good hygiene, can help mitigate these risks.

5 Natural Approaches to Relieve Urethritis Symptoms

While medical treatment is often necessary for urethritis, particularly when caused by infections, several natural remedies can complement conventional care and provide symptom relief. Here are five approaches that may help:

1. Hydration and Urinary Health

Increasing your fluid intake, particularly water, can help flush out bacteria and reduce urinary tract irritation. How much should you drink? Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, more if you’re experiencing symptoms.

2. Probiotics for Urinary and Vaginal Health

Probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacillus strains, may help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the urinary and reproductive tracts. This can potentially reduce the risk of infections that lead to urethritis.

3. Cranberry for Urinary Support

Cranberry juice or supplements have long been associated with urinary tract health. While not a cure, cranberry may help prevent certain bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, potentially reducing the risk of infection.

4. Soothing Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas, such as chamomile, marshmallow root, and corn silk, may have soothing effects on the urinary tract. These can help alleviate discomfort and promote overall urinary health.

5. Warm Compresses for Pain Relief

Applying a warm compress to the lower abdomen or genital area can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with urethritis. This simple home remedy can be particularly soothing during flare-ups.

Can these natural remedies cure urethritis on their own? While they may provide relief and support overall urinary health, it’s crucial to note that they are not substitutes for medical treatment, especially in cases of bacterial infections. Always consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment

While natural remedies can provide relief, proper medical diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing urethritis effectively. This is particularly important given the potential for complications if left untreated.

Diagnostic Approaches for Urethritis:

• Physical examination
• Urine tests
• Swab tests of the urethra or cervix
• Blood tests to check for underlying infections

How long does it typically take to diagnose urethritis? In many cases, a healthcare provider can make an initial diagnosis based on symptoms and a physical exam. However, confirming the specific cause may require laboratory tests, which can take a few days to process.

Treatment Options for Urethritis:

Treatment for urethritis depends on the underlying cause:

• Antibiotics: Prescribed for bacterial infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Antiviral medications: Used for cases caused by viruses like herpes
• Antiparasitic drugs: Prescribed for parasitic infections such as trichomoniasis
• Symptom management: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended to alleviate discomfort

Is it necessary to treat both partners in cases of sexually transmitted urethritis? Absolutely. To prevent reinfection, it’s crucial that all sexual partners receive treatment simultaneously.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Urethritis at Bay

Prevention is always preferable to treatment. By adopting certain lifestyle habits and practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing urethritis.

Key Prevention Strategies:

1. Practice safe sex: Use condoms consistently and correctly to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
2. Maintain good hygiene: Clean the genital area gently but thoroughly, especially before and after sexual activity.
3. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out the urinary system.
4. Urinate after sexual activity: This can help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
5. Avoid irritants: Be cautious with personal care products, especially those used in the genital area.
6. Regular check-ups: Especially important if you’re sexually active or have a history of urinary issues.

Can these prevention strategies guarantee you’ll never develop urethritis? While no method is 100% foolproof, consistently following these practices can significantly reduce your risk.

Long-Term Outlook: Managing and Preventing Recurrent Urethritis

For some individuals, urethritis can become a recurring issue. Understanding how to manage and prevent recurrences is crucial for long-term urinary health.

Strategies for Managing Recurrent Urethritis:

• Follow treatment plans diligently
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Consider long-term preventive antibiotics in some cases
• Address any underlying conditions that may contribute to recurrence
• Maintain open communication with sexual partners about sexual health

How can you tell if you’re experiencing a recurrence of urethritis? Pay attention to any return of symptoms, even if mild. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and reduce discomfort.

Living with recurrent urethritis can be challenging, but with proper management and preventive measures, many individuals can effectively control their symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups. Regular communication with healthcare providers is key to developing an effective long-term management plan.

The Broader Impact: Urethritis and Sexual Health

Urethritis doesn’t just affect physical health; it can have significant implications for sexual and emotional well-being as well. Understanding these broader impacts is crucial for comprehensive care and support.

Psychological and Relationship Impacts:

• Anxiety about sexual activity
• Strain on intimate relationships
• Concerns about fertility (though urethritis itself doesn’t typically cause infertility)
• Stigma associated with sexually transmitted infections

How can individuals and couples navigate these challenges? Open communication, education, and, when necessary, counseling can be invaluable. It’s important to remember that urethritis is a common and treatable condition, and with proper care, its impact on sexual health can be minimized.

The Importance of Partner Notification:

In cases where urethritis is caused by a sexually transmitted infection, notifying sexual partners is crucial. This not only helps prevent the spread of infection but also ensures that partners can receive timely treatment if needed.

Does notifying partners mean your relationship is in jeopardy? Not necessarily. Many couples find that facing health challenges together can strengthen their bond, provided there’s open and honest communication.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Urethritis Management

The field of urethritis research is continually evolving, with new insights and treatment approaches emerging. Staying informed about these developments can help individuals make more informed decisions about their health care.

Recent Advances in Urethritis Research:

• Improved diagnostic techniques for faster, more accurate identification of causative agents
• Development of new antibiotic formulations to combat resistant strains of bacteria
• Exploration of the urinary microbiome and its role in urethritis susceptibility and prevention
• Investigation of novel non-antibiotic treatments to reduce reliance on antibiotics and combat antimicrobial resistance

What do these advances mean for individuals with urethritis? While many of these developments are still in research stages, they hold promise for more effective, targeted treatments in the future. As always, staying in touch with healthcare providers and being open to new treatment options as they become available is key.

In conclusion, urethritis is a common but manageable condition that affects millions worldwide. By understanding its causes, recognizing symptoms early, and adopting preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk and improve their overall urinary and sexual health. Whether dealing with a single episode or managing recurrent cases, a combination of medical treatment, natural remedies, and lifestyle adjustments can help most people find relief and maintain their quality of life. Remember, open communication with healthcare providers and partners is crucial for effective management and prevention of urethritis.

Urethritis + 5 Natural Ways to Relieve Urethritis Symptoms

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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

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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.

Ito S, Yasuda M, Seike K, et al. Clinical and microbiological outcomes in treatment of men with non-gonococcal urethritis with a 100mg twice-daily dose regimen of sitafloxacin.
J Infect Chemother
. 2012;18(3):414-418.

Lieske JC, Goldfarb DS, De Simone C, Regnier C. Use of a probiotic to decrease enteric hyperoxaluria.
Kidney Int
. 2005;68(3):1244-1249.

Lichtenstein AH, Russell RM. Essential nutrients: food or supplements? Where should the emphasis be?
JAMA
. 2005;294(3):351-358.

Maeda S, Tamaki M, Kubota Y, Nguyen PB, Yasuda M, Deguchi T. Treatment of men with urethritis negative for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum, and Ureaplasma Urealyticum.
Int J Urol
. 2007;14(5):422-425.

Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds.
Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases
. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015.

Moi H, Blee K, Horner PJ. Management of non-gonococcal urethritis.
BMC Infect Dis
. 2015;15:294.

Moi H, Reinton N, Moghaddam A. Mycoplasma genitalium in women with lower genital tract inflammation.
Sex Transm Infect
. 2009;85(1):10-14.

Nanda N, Michel RG, Kurdgelashvili G, Wendel KA. Trichomoniasis and its treatment.
Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther
. 2006;4(1):125-135.

Schindler G, Patzak U, Brinkhaus B, et al. Urinary excretion and metabolism of arbutin after oral administration of Arctostaphylos uvae ursi extract as film-coated tablets and aqueous solution in healthy humans.
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. 2002;42(8):920-927.

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. 2002;21(6):495-505.

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. 2012;87(2):143-150.

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. 2006;12(5):283-286.

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The Basics

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folk remedies therapy, traditional therapy, recovery, disease prevention and doctors’ recommendations

In the article we will consider the treatment of urethritis in women with folk remedies.

Signs of this pathology deserve especially close attention. For diagnosis and timely treatment, you need to see a doctor. Despite the fact that urethritis in women is not as pronounced as in men, it is necessary to visit a specialist who will prescribe a treatment course and help eliminate an unpleasant pathology.

So, let’s look at the symptoms and treatment of urethritis in women.

Causes

There are such types of disease as infectious and non-infectious. The disease develops due to the influence of various factors.

Female non-infectious urethritis most often occurs due to the following reasons:

• damage to the mechanical nature of the urethral mucosa with stones during urolithiasis;
• traumatic injury to the urethra with a cystoscope during examination of the bladder, the use of a catheter to remove urine;
• malignant neoplasms;
• allergy;
• pathologies of the reproductive system;
• congestion of blood in the veins in the pelvis.

The factors listed above lead to inflammation processes. Treatment depends on the causes of urethritis in women.

Urethral polyp in women: therapy, causes, symptoms

The disease in some cases occurs due to radiation therapy and defloration. Such factors are recommended to be considered when contacting a specialist.

Infectious agents often affect the urethra. Bacteria are often sexually transmitted, the pathogenic flora is specific. Such pathogens can lead to the appearance of urethritis: genital warts, gonococci, herpes viruses, Trichomonas, mycoplasmas, chlamydia.

All of these pathogenic microorganisms adversely affect the urethra and its condition in women.

It must be said that gonorrheal urethritis is a specific type, so they can be treated only in a dermatovenerological dispensary. Other varieties of the inflammation process suggest the possibility of a visit to the local therapist. Initially, in any case, it will be necessary to conduct an examination and take tests to determine the origin of urethritis, in connection with which it is advisable to first contact a therapist and follow his guidelines.

urethral caruncle causes symptoms diagnosis traditional and operative…

Provoking factors

The following factors can also lead to the development of female urethritis:

• possible genital injuries;
• hypothermia of the patient’s body;
• significant weakening of the immune system after severe illness or stress;
• severe dietary restrictions, deficiency of vitamins and nutrients;
• craving for alcoholic beverages;
• chronic inflammatory processes;
• diseases of the urinary system;
• menopause and pregnancy;
• violation of intimate hygiene by the patient.

Symptoms and treatment of urethritis in women are of interest to many.

Symptoms of the disease

Women often face blurred symptoms of the disease. Men are forced to experience pronounced signs. This is due to differences in the structure of the genitourinary system. Men have a narrow and long urethra, which is why some inflammatory processes develop more acutely and actively.

Main signs of female urethritis:

• discomfort when urinating;
• discharge containing pus;
• external redness of the genitals;
• itching in the intimate area during menstruation.

These symptoms are especially pronounced. In this case, chronic urethritis can disturb a woman even when the disease is not in an acute form. The main symptom is not very strong pain in the lower abdomen, which manifests itself during menstruation and sexual contact.

Therapy of urinary incontinence in women: folk remedies, preparations, reviews

Urethritis in women is often characterized by the absence of obvious manifestations, which complicates the diagnosis.

The chronic type of the disease is usually caused by incorrect and untimely treatment or its absence at all. Twenty days after the onset of the inflammation process, untreated urethritis develops into chronic. The main signs of the disease completely disappear, but with sexual intercourse, hypothermia, strong emotional arousal or alcohol abuse, they reappear.

Experts note that urethritis can be transmitted sexually, that is, every woman should take a responsible approach to health.

Treatment of urethritis in women at home can be very effective. More on that below.

Examination specifics

Medical diagnostics is obligatory. During the examination, hyperemia of the external opening of the urethra or neighboring tissues, discharge and pain on palpation can be determined. Such signs require the mandatory implementation of a comprehensive examination.

Doctors’ practice and women’s testimonials indicate the need for such diagnostics:

• advanced urinalysis according to Nichiporenko;
• general examination of blood and urine;
• urinalysis for the absence or presence of potentially dangerous bacteria to identify the pathogen;
• PCR for biomaterial analysis;
• antibiotic susceptibility test;
• Urine test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but the result in this case can be obtained only after 10-12 weeks.

The diagnostic methods listed above are the most important. In some cases, a urethroscopy may be necessary.

A pelvic ultrasound will be required to adequately assess the genitourinary system.

Treatment of chronic urethritis in women is often difficult.

Recovery as the main goal

The process of combating inflammation reactions in the body occurs in three main directions:

• Structural restoration of the walls of the urination canal. The status of this manipulation increases after it becomes clear as a result of the study that all pathogens have been destroyed and the disease has caused irreversible consequences in the urethral cells.
• Restoration of the vaginal microflora. Re-infection of the urinary tract with pathogenic microorganisms will occur until the woman has restored the original microflora of the vagina. For this purpose, she is prescribed eubiotics, which contain active bifidumbacteria and lactobacilli.
• Immune recovery. After an antibacterial course, the immunity status of the patient’s body decreases. To restore resistance to disease, a woman is prescribed multivitamins and immunomodulators.

Treatment of urethritis in women with folk remedies can be carried out in combination with traditional therapy.

Conventional treatment

Symptoms of female urethritis and quick treatment at home is one of the most frequently asked questions. If such a diagnosis was made, what should be paid attention to?

In the treatment of cystitis and urethritis in women, various drugs are used. Strong antibacterial drugs are prescribed without fail. The main goal is the elimination of pathogenic bacteria. It should be noted that with symptoms of urethritis, treatment of a woman with drugs is mandatory.

Washes and baths also play an important role. In the treatment of urethritis in women at home, such procedures are often close to the methods of traditional medicine, but sometimes they are used for medicinal products in liquid form.

Doctors also prescribe tampons and suppositories using medicinal ingredients such as anti-inflammatory herbs. Such drugs are created specifically for the treatment of women. They involve the elimination of the inflammatory process and pathogenic bacteria.

Antihistamines are successfully used for medicinal purposes.

Urethritis sometimes accompanies chlamydia. In this case, Azithromycin and Doxycycline are suitable.

An additional method is needed if anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics are not enough. To increase the immune system against infections and restore microflora in the future, it is advisable to take vitamins B, PP, immunostimulants and antioxidants.

All of the above treatments are important and traditional.

It should be noted this point: chronic urethritis almost always needs long-term treatment and requires patience. With this form, antibiotics are necessarily used (for example, Levomycetin or Gentamicin), taking into account medical recommendations.

It is recommended to start the treatment course as early as possible in order to achieve effective results. The duration of treatment is set individually, as a result of which it can vary from several days to several weeks.

Experts say that with signs of female urethritis, treatment with drugs and suppositories may be insufficient. The following measures are often necessary: ​​

• drinking plenty of fluids: natural juice or boiled water;
• adherence to a diet that necessarily excludes spicy and salty foods, emphasis on nutrients and vitamins;
• taking diuretics to clear urinary tract infections.

Treatment is mandatory, it is desirable to carry it out as directed by a doctor. When the treatment course is completed, you need to take the tests again and make sure that health is restored.

Lack of therapy will cause a number of complications. Patients will face inflammation of the bladder, pyelonephritis and narrowing of the urethra.

Traditional treatment of urethritis in women

If a woman has symptoms of urethritis, how can traditional medicine be treated? First of all, it should be noted that they can only supplement the main treatment. The use of folk remedies for urethritis in women requires regularity and the choice of the best recipe, since there is a gradual and mild effect on the woman’s body.

Fresh cranberry juice is one of the healthiest. The berry has an anti-inflammatory effect, so it is recommended for urethritis.

Thirty grams of black currant leaves should be chopped and poured with boiling water. Infuse the decoction for an hour, strain and drink three times a day. Additional berries are allowed. The body of a woman receives the necessary vitamins that will help fight inflammation. Any course duration.

What else is used in the folk treatment of urethritis in women? Parsley greens (80 grams) are poured with milk. The mixture must be put in the oven and wait until the milk is melted. Then strain the remedy and take a tablespoon every hour. During the day you need to drink the entire mixture.

Two tablespoons of cornflower blue flower baskets can be used. Pour them with a glass of boiling water, insist an hour, strain. Divide the prepared remedy into four parts and drink throughout the day.

Urethritis in a woman needs treatment. If you consult a doctor in a timely manner, a positive result will be guaranteed to be achieved.

Features of therapy during menopause

Treatment of urethritis in menopause in women is determined depending on the type of pathology. If sexually transmitted infections have been identified in the body, then treatment should be comprehensive. In this case, it is necessary not only to get rid of the disease, but also to determine the cause of its occurrence.

Specialists without fail prescribe antibacterial drugs to the patient:

• Abaktal;
• Norfloxacin;
• “Pefloxacin”;
• Azithromycin;
• Amoxiclav.

In the treatment of urethritis in a woman, close attention is paid to healing procedures, which include urethral lavages with potassium permanganate, decoction of oak bark, chamomile and calendula, vaginal baths, warming applications and herbal tampons.

The following drugs are often prescribed for the treatment of urethritis:

• Miramistin;
• “Suprastin”;
• “Chlorophylipt” in oil;
• Claritin;
• Tavegil;
• Chlorhexidine.

If the disease is provoked by chlamydia that are in the body, then Azithromycin, Doxycycline or Unidox Solutab are prescribed to the patient.

In the treatment of urethritis, the use of antibiotics, antifungal and antihistamine drugs will not be enough, so doctors prescribe drugs that help restore the microflora of intimate organs, as well as improve the functioning of the immune system:

• Timalin;
• Gepon;
• “Anaferon”;
• Lavomax;
• Cycloferon.

In addition, vitamins of groups PP, C and B can be prescribed.

To cleanse the urethra from infections and bacteria, it is necessary to take diuretics every few days.

Prevention of the disease and recommendations of doctors

Specialists give women a number of the following recommendations:

• visit a specialist when the first symptoms of the disease appear;
• empty the bladder completely when urinating;
• observe personal hygiene standards;
• try to avoid unprotected sex.

Of course, only a doctor should treat such a disease. Using the methods of traditional medicine, and even at home, is allowed only after the approval of the attending specialist.

Reviews of the treatment of urethritis in women

Patients claim that due to timely access to a medical institution, they were able to achieve a positive result. At the same time, an integrated approach, that is, both traditional methods of treatment and folk ones, allowed them to successfully cope with the pathology.

We examined how folk remedies treat urethritis in women.

Treatment of urethritis at home

Useful news

15:3215.08.2013

Urethritis is a disease characterized by an inflammatory process in the walls of the urethra.

Sometimes urethritis is asymptomatic and the patient does not realize that he is ill. However, as a rule, the symptoms of the disease are as follows:

• itching and burning during urination,
• painful sensations during urination,
• purulent discharge from the urethra,
• adhesion of the external opening of the urethra,
• redness of the external opening of the urethra.

The disease occurs quite often in both men and women. There are specific and nonspecific urethritis.

Specific urethritis is caused by various sexually transmitted infections:

• herpes virus,
• gonococcus,
• chlamydia,
• Trichomonas,
• microplasmas and other viruses.

Non-specific urethritis can be caused by the following factors:

• narrowing of the urethra,
• injury to the urethra,
• allergic reaction to food and drug components,
• metabolic disorders,
• urolithiasis,
• eating too spicy food.

Should you treat urethritis at home?

Home treatment of urethritis is generally possible but not recommended. Incorrectly selected medications can adversely affect the course of the disease and cause complications. If you experience any symptoms of urethritis, be sure to contact a qualified professional. Only an experienced doctor can quickly and accurately establish a diagnosis and select an effective treatment, taking into account all the characteristics of your body and the contraindications of pharmacological preparations. The doctor will give you the necessary recommendations on how to treat urethritis, what procedures to perform and in what doses to take medication.