Inflammation of the urethra - Urethritis

Inflammation of the urethra (duct that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) is called urethritis. It is generally caused by a bacterial infection (E. coli, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis - the last two through sexual transmission) or viruses (herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus). Other less common causes are traumas, chemical irritants (elimination through the urethra), etc., and, in some cases, no cause is found. In women, it manifests as lower abdominal pain, a burning sensation when urinating, fever, chills, increased urinary frequency, vaginal discharge and pain during sexual intercourse and in the pelvis. In men, it manifests as discomfort when urinating, a burning sensation, blood in urine, increased frequency of urination and urgency to urinate, inflammation of the penis, pain during sexual intercourse or ejaculation (sometimes with blood), swollen lymph nodes in the groin area and fever. Diagnosis is based on taking a detailed medical history, performing a full physical examination (with rectal examination), blood and urine tests, urine culture and culture of urethral secretion if there is any, ultrasound and pregnancy test in women, and tests to rule out sexually transmitted diseases. Treatment is based on relieving symptoms and treating the precipitating cause.