Urethritis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
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.
Common signs and symptoms of urethritis:
- Discharge from your penis or vagina that may be yellow-green, clear, or white
- Feeling like you need to urinate more often than usual
- Abdominal pain
- Pain or a burning feeling when you urinate, or cloudy urine first thing in the morning
- Pain or itchiness in your penis or vagina, or lesions on your genitals
- Pain when you have sex
Seek care immediately if:
- You have pain and swelling in your scrotum or vaginal area.
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- You have a fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.
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 treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment:
- Antibiotic medicine may be given to help treat an infection caused by bacteria. You and any sex partner within the past 60 days must be treated to prevent an infection from spreading.
- Analgesic medicine helps numb the bladder and urethra. This medication is available over the counter or by prescription.
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 urethritis:
If your urethritis was caused by an infection, the following may help prevent the spread:
- Ask when it is safe to have sex. This includes oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Wait 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.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about pregnancy. If you are female, tell your provider if you think you are pregnant or are planning pregnancy. If you are male, tell your provider if your female partner is or may be pregnant. Treatment may be given to prevent an infection from being spread to the baby during delivery.
Follow up with your doctor or urologist 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.
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