Nonspecific Urethritis in Men

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
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Nonspecific urethritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube where urine passes from the bladder to the outside of the body.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have chest pain or trouble breathing.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have joint stiffness, muscle pain, or eye inflammation.
• You have pain and swelling in your scrotum.
• You have severe abdominal pain.

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
• You continue to have signs or symptoms after being treated for nonspecific urethritis.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Macrobid
• nitrofurantoin
• Cipro
• Bactrim
• ciprofloxacin

View more treatment options

Medicines:

• Antibiotics are used to treat an infection caused by bacteria.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Manage your symptoms:

• Sit in a warm bath. Do this for 15 minutes at least 2 times each day, or as directed.
• Do not use chemical irritants. This includes bath soaps, spermicides, or other products that may cause irritation.

Prevent nonspecific urethritis:

If your urethritis was caused by an infection, the following may help to prevent the spread:

• Ask when it is safe to have sex. This includes oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Do not have sex until you or your partner has finished treatment.
• Use condoms. Wear a condom during oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Ask for more information about the correct way to use condoms.
• Tell your provider if your female partner is pregnant. You may have spread an infection to your partner. Your partner may pass it to the baby during birth.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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