What is urethritis. How can you treat urethritis naturally at home. What are the most effective home remedies for urethritis symptoms. What causes urethritis in men and women. How to prevent urethritis and reduce risk factors.

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. This common condition affects millions of people worldwide each year, with an estimated 4 million cases in the United States alone. While urethritis itself is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, it can often be spread through sexual contact if caused by an infectious agent.

What Causes Urethritis?

The most common causes of urethritis include:

• Bacterial infections (e.g., E. coli, chlamydia, gonorrhea)
• Parasitic infections (e.g., trichomoniasis)
• Viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex virus, HPV, cytomegalovirus)
• Trauma to the urethra
• Chemical irritants (e.g., spermicides, soaps, contraceptive products)

In some cases, the exact cause of urethritis may remain unknown, leading to a diagnosis of urethral syndrome.

Recognizing Urethritis Symptoms

Symptoms of urethritis can vary between men and women, but commonly include:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Increased urge to urinate
• Discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pelvic pain or discomfort

It’s important to note that some individuals may experience asymptomatic urethritis, particularly women, where no noticeable symptoms are present.

Are You at Risk for Urethritis?

Several factors can increase your risk of developing urethritis:

• Being female
• Being a male between 20-35 years old
• Engaging in sexual activity, especially with multiple partners
• Using urinary catheters
• Exposure to chemical irritants

Natural Remedies for Urethritis: Alleviating Symptoms at Home

While medical treatment is often necessary for urethritis, particularly in cases of bacterial infection, several natural remedies can help alleviate symptoms and support healing. Here are five effective approaches:

1. Hydration Therapy

Increasing your fluid intake, particularly water, can help flush out bacteria and reduce inflammation in the urethra. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. Herbal teas, such as chamomile or green tea, can also provide soothing benefits.

2. Probiotics for Urinary Health

Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the urinary tract. Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut into your diet. Alternatively, a high-quality probiotic supplement may be beneficial.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the urethra. Focus on consuming:

• Omega-3 rich foods (e.g., fatty fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds)
• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins

Avoid inflammatory foods such as processed sugars, trans fats, and excessive alcohol.

4. Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate urethritis symptoms:

• Uva Ursi: Known for its antibacterial effects on the urinary system
• Goldenseal: Contains berberine, which has antimicrobial properties
• Echinacea: Supports immune function and has anti-inflammatory effects

Always consult with a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, especially if you’re taking other medications.

5. Sitz Baths

A sitz bath involves sitting in warm water to soothe the genital area. Adding Epsom salts or baking soda to the bath can provide additional relief. Sitz baths can help reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with urethritis.

Preventing Urethritis: Strategies for Reducing Risk

Prevention is key in managing urethritis. Here are some effective strategies to reduce your risk:

• Practice safe sex by using condoms and limiting sexual partners
• Maintain good hygiene, especially before and after sexual activity
• Avoid using harsh soaps or irritating products in the genital area
• Stay hydrated to help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract
• Urinate before and after sexual intercourse
• Avoid holding urine for extended periods

When to Seek Medical Attention for Urethritis

While natural remedies can provide relief, it’s crucial to know when professional medical care is necessary. Seek medical attention if:

• Symptoms persist or worsen after a few days of home treatment
• You experience severe pain or discomfort
• You notice blood in your urine
• You develop a fever or chills
• You suspect you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and reduce the risk of spreading infectious urethritis to others.

Diagnosing Urethritis: What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office

If you suspect you have urethritis, a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. The diagnostic process typically involves:

• A thorough medical history and symptom review
• Physical examination of the genital area
• Urinalysis to check for signs of infection
• Swab tests to collect samples for laboratory analysis
• Blood tests to check for systemic infections or other underlying conditions

In some cases, additional tests such as ultrasound or cystoscopy may be necessary to rule out other urinary tract conditions.

Medical Treatments for Urethritis: Understanding Your Options

While natural remedies can provide symptomatic relief, medical treatment is often necessary to fully resolve urethritis, especially in cases of bacterial infection. Common medical treatments include:

Antibiotics

For bacterial urethritis, antibiotics are the primary treatment. The specific antibiotic prescribed will depend on the causative organism. Common options include:

• Azithromycin
• Doxycycline
• Ciprofloxacin

It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.

Antiviral Medications

For viral causes of urethritis, such as herpes simplex virus, antiviral medications may be prescribed. These can help manage symptoms and reduce the duration of outbreaks.

Pain Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and discomfort associated with urethritis.

Living with Urethritis: Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Adjustments

Dealing with urethritis can be challenging, but there are several strategies to help manage the condition and improve quality of life:

Dietary Modifications

Certain foods and beverages may irritate the urethra and exacerbate symptoms. Consider avoiding:

• Spicy foods
• Acidic foods and drinks
• Caffeine
• Alcohol

Stress Management

Stress can weaken the immune system and potentially worsen urethritis symptoms. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as:

• Meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Yoga
• Regular physical activity

Intimate Relationships

Urethritis can impact sexual health and relationships. Open communication with your partner is essential. Consider:

• Abstaining from sexual activity during treatment
• Using barrier methods of protection when resuming sexual activity
• Exploring non-penetrative forms of intimacy during flare-ups

Understanding Recurrent Urethritis: Causes and Management

Some individuals may experience recurrent episodes of urethritis. Understanding the potential causes and management strategies is crucial for long-term urinary health.

Common Causes of Recurrent Urethritis

• Incomplete treatment of the initial infection
• Reinfection from an untreated sexual partner
• Underlying conditions such as autoimmune disorders
• Persistent irritants or allergens

Managing Recurrent Urethritis

If you experience recurrent urethritis, your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Extended courses of antibiotics
• Regular follow-up testing
• Screening for other underlying conditions
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors

In some cases, referral to a urologist or infectious disease specialist may be necessary for more specialized care.

Urethritis in Special Populations: Considerations for Pregnant Women and Older Adults

Urethritis can affect individuals of all ages and life stages, but certain populations may require special considerations in diagnosis and treatment.

Urethritis During Pregnancy

Pregnant women with urethritis require careful management to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Key considerations include:

• Safe antibiotic choices that won’t harm the developing fetus
• Increased risk of complications if left untreated
• Potential impact on delivery and neonatal health

Urethritis in Older Adults

Older adults may face unique challenges when dealing with urethritis:

• Increased risk of complications due to weakened immune systems
• Potential interactions with medications for other health conditions
• Difficulty in diagnosis due to overlapping symptoms with other urinary tract issues common in older adults

Healthcare providers must take these factors into account when developing treatment plans for these special populations.

The Future of Urethritis Treatment: Emerging Research and Therapies

As medical science advances, new approaches to diagnosing and treating urethritis are on the horizon. Some promising areas of research include:

Rapid Diagnostic Tests

Researchers are developing faster, more accurate diagnostic tests that can identify the specific cause of urethritis in minutes rather than days. This could lead to more targeted and effective treatments.

Novel Antimicrobial Therapies

With the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, scientists are exploring alternative antimicrobial treatments, such as:

• Bacteriophage therapy
• Antimicrobial peptides
• Nanotechnology-based treatments

Immunomodulatory Approaches

Research into therapies that can boost the body’s natural immune response to urethritis-causing pathogens may lead to new treatment options and prevention strategies.

Microbiome-Based Interventions

Understanding the role of the urinary microbiome in urethritis could pave the way for probiotic therapies specifically designed to maintain urethral health.

As research progresses, these emerging therapies may offer new hope for those suffering from chronic or recurrent urethritis, potentially reducing reliance on traditional antibiotics and improving long-term outcomes.

Urethritis + 5 Natural Ways to Relieve Urethritis Symptoms

Evidence Based

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Katherine Brind’Amour, PhD, MS

July 29, 2018

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

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

What Is Urethritis?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Signs and Symptoms

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

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

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

Urethritis symptoms in women include: (2, 3)

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

Causes and Risk Factors

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

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

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

Risk factors for urethritis include: (2)

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

Conventional Treatment

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

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

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

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

How to Manage Symptoms

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

1. Drink lots of water

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

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

2. Take care with hygiene

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

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

3. Adjust your sexual activity

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

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

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

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

4. Tweak your diet

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

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

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

5. Consider herbal remedies

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

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

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

Precautions

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

Final Thoughts

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

5 Natural Strategies That May Help Relieve Urethritis Symptoms 

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

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

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Urethral inflammation

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

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

Signs and Symptoms

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

In men:

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

In women:

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

What Causes It?

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

What to Expect at Your Doctor’s Office

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

Treatment Options

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

Prevention

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

Drug Therapies

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

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

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

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

Nutrition and Supplements

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

Herbs

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

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

Homeopathy

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

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

Acupuncture

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

Following Up

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

• Cystitis
• Epididymitis
• Prostatitis

Possible complications for women include:

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

Special Considerations

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

Supporting Research

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

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

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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.