What is urethritis. How can you treat urethritis naturally at home. What are the main causes and symptoms of urethritis. Who is most at risk for developing urethritis.

Understanding Urethritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. While it often requires medical treatment, there are also natural approaches that can help relieve symptoms.

What causes urethritis? The most common causes include:

• Sexually transmitted infections (especially gonorrhea and chlamydia)
• Other bacterial infections
• Parasites
• Viruses
• Trauma or injury to the urethra
• Chemical irritants

Urethritis affects an estimated 4 million Americans annually, with over 150 million cases reported worldwide. However, experts believe it is significantly underreported.

Symptoms of Urethritis

How do you know if you have urethritis? Common symptoms include:

• Pain or burning while urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pelvic pain (in women)
• Itching or swelling of the penis (in men)

Some people, especially women, may have no symptoms at all. This is called asymptomatic urethritis.

Risk Factors for Urethritis

Who is most at risk for developing urethritis? Key risk factors include:

• Being female
• Being a male between ages 20-35
• Sexual activity, especially with multiple partners
• Use of urinary catheters
• Exposure to chemical irritants like spermicides or harsh soaps

Natural Remedies for Urethritis Relief

While medical treatment is often necessary for urethritis, several natural remedies can help alleviate symptoms and support recovery:

1. Hydration

Drinking plenty of water is crucial for managing urethritis symptoms. How does staying hydrated help? Increased fluid intake can:

• Dilute urine, reducing irritation to the urethra
• Flush out bacteria and other irritants
• Support overall urinary tract health

Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. Herbal teas, especially those with anti-inflammatory properties like chamomile or green tea, can also be beneficial.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can support urinary tract health. How do probiotics help with urethritis?

• They can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the urinary tract
• Some strains may help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria
• Probiotics can support overall immune function

Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut into your diet. Alternatively, a high-quality probiotic supplement may be beneficial.

3. Cranberry

Cranberry has long been associated with urinary tract health. How can cranberry help with urethritis?

• It contains compounds that may prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls
• Cranberry has anti-inflammatory properties
• It can help acidify urine, creating a less favorable environment for bacteria

Consider drinking unsweetened cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements. However, consult with a healthcare provider first, especially if you’re taking blood thinners.

Dietary Changes to Support Urethritis Recovery

Making certain dietary changes can help manage urethritis symptoms and support overall urinary tract health:

1. Avoid Irritants

Some foods and beverages can irritate the urethra and worsen symptoms. Which items should you avoid?

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes
• Artificial sweeteners

Eliminating or reducing these items can help alleviate discomfort and support healing.

2. Increase Anti-Inflammatory Foods

An anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce inflammation in the body, including the urethra. Which foods should you include?

• Fatty fish rich in omega-3s (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Leafy green vegetables
• Berries
• Nuts and seeds
• Olive oil
• Turmeric

Incorporating these foods into your diet can help manage inflammation and support overall health.

Lifestyle Modifications for Urethritis Management

Certain lifestyle changes can complement natural remedies and dietary adjustments in managing urethritis:

1. Practice Good Hygiene

Proper hygiene is crucial in preventing and managing urethritis. What hygiene practices should you adopt?

• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom
• Urinate before and after sexual activity
• Avoid using harsh soaps or douches in the genital area
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear

These practices can help prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce irritation to the urethra.

2. Manage Stress

Stress can impact your immune system and overall health, potentially exacerbating urethritis symptoms. How can you manage stress effectively?

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Ensure adequate sleep
• Consider stress-reducing activities like yoga or tai chi

Implementing stress management techniques can support your body’s healing process and overall well-being.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Urethritis

While natural remedies can provide relief, it’s important to know when professional medical care is necessary. When should you see a doctor for urethritis?

• If symptoms persist for more than a few days
• If you experience severe pain or discomfort
• If you have a fever or chills
• If you notice blood in your urine
• If you suspect you may have a sexually transmitted infection

A healthcare provider can perform tests to determine the underlying cause of your urethritis and prescribe appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics for bacterial infections.

Preventing Urethritis: Key Strategies

Prevention is always better than cure. How can you reduce your risk of developing urethritis?

1. Practice Safe Sex

Since many cases of urethritis are caused by sexually transmitted infections, safe sex practices are crucial. What steps should you take?

• Use condoms consistently and correctly
• Limit your number of sexual partners
• Get regular STI screenings if you’re sexually active

2. Maintain Good Hygiene

Proper hygiene can help prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause urethritis. What hygiene practices are important?

• Wash your hands regularly, especially before and after using the bathroom
• Keep the genital area clean and dry
• Avoid using harsh soaps or douches
• Wear clean, breathable underwear

3. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help flush out bacteria and other irritants from your urinary system. How much water should you drink?

• Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day
• Increase your fluid intake if you’re physically active or in hot weather
• Consider drinking unsweetened cranberry juice for added urinary tract support

Understanding Different Types of Urethritis

Urethritis can be classified into different types based on its cause. What are the main types of urethritis?

1. Gonococcal Urethritis

This type is caused by the bacteria that cause gonorrhea. What should you know about gonococcal urethritis?

• It accounts for about 20% of infectious urethritis cases
• It’s typically more severe than other types of urethritis
• It requires antibiotic treatment

2. Non-Gonococcal Urethritis

This type is caused by bacteria other than gonorrhea. What are the key points about non-gonococcal urethritis?

• It accounts for about 80% of infectious urethritis cases
• Common causes include chlamydia and mycoplasma genitalium
• Treatment depends on the specific bacteria causing the infection

3. Non-Infectious Urethritis

This type is not caused by an infection. What causes non-infectious urethritis?

• Trauma or injury to the urethra
• Chemical irritants like spermicides or harsh soaps
• Certain medications or medical procedures

Understanding the type of urethritis you have is crucial for proper treatment and management.

Complementary Therapies for Urethritis Management

In addition to natural remedies and lifestyle changes, certain complementary therapies may help manage urethritis symptoms. What are some complementary approaches to consider?

1. Herbal Remedies

Some herbs have properties that may support urinary tract health. Which herbs are potentially beneficial for urethritis?

• Uva Ursi: Known for its antimicrobial properties
• Goldenseal: May have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects
• Echinacea: Can support immune function
• Marshmallow root: May soothe irritated tissues

Always consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, as they can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone.

2. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that may help manage pain and inflammation. How might acupuncture help with urethritis?

• It may help reduce inflammation
• Can potentially alleviate pain and discomfort
• May support overall urinary tract health

While research on acupuncture for urethritis is limited, some people find it helpful for managing symptoms.

3. Mind-Body Techniques

Mind-body practices can help manage stress and promote overall well-being. Which techniques might be beneficial?

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Tai Chi
• Guided imagery

These practices can help reduce stress, which may indirectly support your body’s healing process.

While these complementary therapies may provide relief for some individuals, it’s important to remember that they should not replace medical treatment for urethritis. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.

Urethritis + 5 Natural Ways to Relieve Urethritis Symptoms

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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.

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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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Was this helpful?

Urethritis typically causes pain while urinating and an increased urge to urinate. It typically occurs due to a bacterial infection.

Urethritis is a condition in which the urethra, or the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body, becomes inflamed and irritated. Semen also passes through the male urethra.

Urethritis is not the same as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, while a UTI is an infection of the urinary tract. They may have similar symptoms, but require different methods of treatment depending on the underlying cause of the urethritis.

Urethritis affects people of all ages. Both males and females can develop the condition. However, females have a greater chance of developing the condition than males. This is partly because men’s urethras, which are the length of the penis, are much longer than women’s. A woman’s urethra is typically one and a half inches long. That makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra.

According to Antimicrobe,urethritis occurs in approximately 4 million Americans each year. Nongonococcal urethritis accounts for 80 percent of the cases.

Learn more about infections of the urinary system »

Symptoms in men

Males with urethritis may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• burning sensation while urinating
• itching or burning near the opening of the penis
• presence of blood in the semen or urine
• discharge from the penis

Symptoms in women

Some symptoms of urethritis in women include:

• more frequent urge to urinate
• discomfort during urination
• burning or irritation at the urethral opening
• abnormal discharge from the vagina may also be present along with the urinary symptoms

People who have urethritis may also not have any noticeable symptoms. This is especially true for women. In men, symptoms may not be apparent if the urethritis developed as a result of chlamydia or occasionally trichomoniasis infection.

For this reason, it’s important to undergo testing if you may have been infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Generally, most cases of urethritis are the result of an infection from either a bacteria or a virus. Bacteria are the most common causes. The same bacteria that can cause bladder and kidney infections can also infect the lining of the urethra. Bacteria found naturally in the genital area may also cause urethritis if they enter the urinary tract.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bacteria associated with urethritis include:

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Mycoplasma genitalium

Pathogens are the biological agents that cause illness. The same pathogens that cause STIs can also cause urethritis. These include the bacteria that cause gonorrhea and chlamydia and the parasite that causes trichomoniasis.

There are also viruses that can lead to the development of urethritis. These include the human papillomavirus (HPV), the herpes simplex virus (HSV), and the cytomegalovirus (CMV).

There are different types of urethritis, classified by the cause of the inflammation. They are gonococcal urethritis and nongonococcal urethritis.

Gonococcal urethritis is caused by the same bacterium that causes the STI gonorrhea. It accounts for 20 percent of cases of urethritis.

Nongonococcal urethritis is urethritis caused by other infections that are not gonorrhea. Chlamydia is a common cause of nongonococcal urethritis, with other STIs also being a probable culprit.

It is possible, however, for irritation unrelated to STIs to occur. These causes can include injury, such as from a catheter, or other kinds of genital trauma.

While plenty of patients have either one type of urethritis or the other, it’s possible to have different causes of urethritis at once. This is especially true in women.

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. They’ll likely also examine the genital area for discharge, tenderness, sores and any signs of an STI. This can help them to make a diagnosis.

They may order tests to analyze a urine sample or a swab taken from the urethra or vaginal area. If the doctor suspects a specific STI, there will likely be a test that can allow the doctor to confirm or rule out that potential diagnosis. Blood tests may be taken to check for other STIs, like HIV and syphilis.

Depending on your doctor and their lab, you can get test results back in as soon as a few days. This allows them to start you on treatment as soon as possible, and to let you know whether your partner needs to be tested and treated, too.

Treatment for urethritis typically includes a course of either antibiotics or antiviral medication. Some common treatments for urethritis include:

• azithromycin, an antibiotic, typically taken as a one time dose
• doxycycline, an oral antibiotic that is typically taken twice a day for seven days
• erythromycin, an antibiotic that can be administered orally, four times a day for seven days
• ofloxacin, an oral antibiotic that is typically taken twice a day for seven days
• levofloxacin, an oral antibiotic that is typically taken once a day for seven days

If an STI caused the infection, it’s vital that all sexual partners undergo testing and treatment if necessary. This prevents the spread of the STI and reinfection.

You may see improvement in your symptoms just a few days after beginning treatment. You should still finish out your prescription as recommended by your doctor, or the infection could come become worse. Those with urethritis should wait one week once they are completely finished with their prescription and their partner has finished treatment before resuming sexual activity.

Potential drug interactions for the medications used to treat urethritis include:

• blood-thinning medications
• heart medications
• seizure medications

Medication can often treat urethritis quickly. If the infection goes untreated, however, the effects can be lasting and quite serious. For example, the infection may spread to other parts of the urinary tract, including the ureters, kidneys, and bladder. These infections can be painful on their own. While they can be treated with more intensive rounds of antibiotics, they can cause damage to the organs if left untreated for too long. These untreated infections can also spread to the blood and result in sepsis, which can be deadly.

In addition, the STIs that frequently cause urethritis can damage the reproductive system. Women may develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is painful and can result in infertility, ongoing pelvic pain, or pain during sex. Women with untreated STIs are also at a higher risk for ectopic pregnancies, which can be life-threatening.

Men may develop painful inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, or the narrowing of a section of the urethra due to scarring, leading to painful urination. For these reasons, you should speak with a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any symptoms of urethritis.

Many of the bacteria that cause urethritis can pass to another person through sexual contact. Because of this, practicing safe sex is an important preventive measure. The tips below can help reduce your risk:

• Avoid having intercourse with multiple partners.
• Use condoms every time you have sex.
• Get tested regularly.
• Protect others. If you find out you have an STI, inform others who are also at risk of an infection.

Aside from safer sex practices, there are other ways to promote good urinary tract health. This can lower your risk of urethritis and some other conditions that affect this part of the body. Drink plenty of fluids and make sure to urinate shortly after intercourse. Avoid acidic foods. Also, avoid exposure to spermicides, particularly if you already know they irritate your urethra.

A:

Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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How to treat urethritis – ways that work

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How to treat urethritis – ways that work

Urethritis is a common condition that affects millions of people every year, so it’s important to understand its causes and symptoms. In today’s article, you will learn not only about this, but about how to treat urethritis at home.

What is urethritis?

The disease refers to inflammation of the urinary canal (urethra) and is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The problem is either acute or chronic.

Causes

Most cases of urethritis are caused by bacterial infections such as:

• E. coli
• Gonococcus
• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Herpes simplex

Depending on the cause of the disease, the infection can spread to other genital organs, which will cause even greater complications.

Risk factors

The main risk factors are:

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Unprotected sex
• Non-observance of personal hygiene

Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom of urethritis is painful urination, which is usually accompanied by a burning sensation. Other symptoms include:

• Difficulty initiating urination
• Pain during sex
• Blood in urine (men)
• Vaginal discharge

Diagnostics

If you are experiencing symptoms of urethritis, you should talk to your doctor and get tested to determine the cause and severity of the condition. A typical urethritis examination consists of the following steps:

• The doctor examines your abdomen and genitals.
• The physical examination is followed by a urinalysis and sampling of any secretions.
• In rare cases, a blood test may be required.

Treatment

The method of treatment will depend on the cause of the disease:

• You need to see a doctor if the cause is chlamydia or a more serious infection.
• The most common solution to the problem is a range of antibiotics to neutralize the infection, including erythromycin and azithromycin.
• Although medications are certainly effective in fighting off the infection, many people prefer to deal with the problem in more natural ways.

Home remedies

Here are some of the best home remedies for urethritis:

Cat’s claw

This herb has antibacterial and antiviral effects, making it a powerful immune system booster that can help you recover quickly from an attack of urethritis.

An excellent option, based on the cat’s claw, is the natural supplement Una de Gato GP, which has passed clinical trials and is included in the wellness programs certified by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

Coupon number – 2019, 5% discount applies!

Green tea

The well-known antioxidant and immune-boosting properties of green tea make it ideal for people who experience painful urination. If you drink 1-2 cups of green tea every day, the catechins and other ingredients will help reduce inflammation and pain while fighting infection.

Cranberry juice

It is very helpful to drink several glasses of cranberry juice every day, since cranberries can prevent bacteria from getting on the walls of the urethra.

Water

Maintaining water balance in the body is extremely important. Water helps to get rid of the infection faster and helps the medicines work more effectively.

Hot tub

A hot bath can relieve inflammation and relieve pain that results from urethritis. This stimulation of the body (no more than 15 minutes) improves blood circulation, promotes healing and relieves pain.

Reduce caffeine and alcohol

These drinks are directly related to exacerbation of the symptoms of urethritis. By cutting down on coffee and alcohol, you’ll improve circulation, give your immune system a break, and reduce inflammation throughout your body, including your urethra.

Juniper berries

Juniper berries are strongly associated with urethral inflammation and may help urethritis sufferers by boosting the immune system and soothing painful irritation. They also help prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the reproductive system.

To speed up the healing process and reduce unpleasant symptoms, many people additionally take natural supplements that have been proven to be safe and effective. These include:

Refungin

Chlorophyll Forte GP

Wild Yam GP

Una de Gato GP

Order any of the supplements from the Santegra Shop at manufacturer’s prices.

By coupon number – 2019, a 5% discount is valid for you!

Site Santegra Shop guarantees the originality and quality of products.

Attention! Similar underpriced supplements may be fake!

Be healthy!

The article was prepared by Elizabeth L.