We often think that urination may actually be a hassle or something that can be bothersome, especially when we are on a journey and could not find a clean toilet. However, do you know that there is more than just urine you see in the toilet bowl when you actually perform urination? The urinary system mainly works to filter blood and produce urine as it wastes product. It also helps to regulate blood pressure and maintain the level of biochemical of blood in the body. Organs such as kidney and bladder alongside ureter and urethra play a role in the urinary system.
There are many conditions that can affect the urinary system, one of which is urethritis. Urethritis often needs the attention of health professionals working in health centre. Do you know what is the organ affected by urethritis? It is the urethra. Urethra is the tube where the urine is emptied from the bladder and leaves the body. In the male urethra, it also functions in allowing semen to exit the body.
Urethritis is the inflammation to the urethra. It can be classified as gonococcal or nongonococcal. Gonococcal urethra is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae whereas nongonococcal urethritis can be caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, or Trichomonas vaginalis. Urethritis can be said to be commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, adenovirus and Haemophilus influenzae are considered to be rare causes for urethritis. Urethritis is also known as the lower urinary tract infection.
The risk for urethritis is higher in those who have had unprotected sex. Those with multiple partners are also at risk for contracting the disease. Urethritis may also be resulted from injury or sensitivity to chemicals used in contraceptive products such as spermicides, contraceptive jellies, creams, soaps or foams. Ironically, oral sex can be risky for nongonococcal urethritis. It is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for patients suspected or confirmed with urethritis to get tested for STI, especially chlamydia and gonorrhoea. By doing this, patients are encouraged to inform their partner on getting tested and treated for the same possible disease.
Symptoms of urethritis include pain or burning sensation when urinating, irritated or sore tip of penis and white or cloudy discharge from the penis or vagina. Some patients may feel pain or tenderness in the testis area. Some may even have rectal pain or bleeding or itchy to the anal area. It is worth noting that urethritis may not cause any symptoms. This is why it is best to practise safe sex as a person with urethritis with no symptoms may actually contract the infection without having any idea of it.
Patients are typically suspected with urethritis when he or she is a sexually active person with symptoms of discharge from their penis or vagina and discomfort when passing urine. There are few tests that may be done such as a swab test and urine test to test for the cause of the urethritis. Women may need to undergo abdominal and pelvic exams as urethritis may be more than just the urethra affected. Ultrasound may be used in certain cases. Apart from the genital examination, patients may also be checked for any lesion on skin, lymph nodes and nerve system to understand what STIs are causing urethritis.
Treatment for urethritis aims to treat the cause leading to the disease and to prevent infection from contracting further. One of the common medications used in treating urethritis is antibiotics. The preferred agent for urethritis in general is one injection of ceftriaxone plus oral doxycycline for seven days. Other antibiotics such as metronidazole and azithromycin may be used. It is important to note that while there is a preferred agent said to be good for urethritis mentioned here, it will always depend on the evaluation of doctors towards the patient’s condition and what medications are best used. Beside from treatment of antibiotics, patients are advised to not perform any sexual activity until both they and partner have been treated well. It is important for patients to take antibiotics as prescribed by doctors and if any side effects occur, best to consult with their healthcare provider.
It can be concluded that urethritis is the inflammation to the urethra. It is typically caused by sexual infections but using chemicals that can irritate the urethra can actually cause urethritis. Common symptoms of urethritis is feeling burn when urinating and abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina. Urethritis is treated with antibiotics. The best way to prevent urethritis is to take preventative measures such as avoiding unprotected sex and risky sexual activity. Good personal hygiene can also help to mitigate risk for urethritis and many other infections. It is important to treat urethritis and to not leave it untreated. Complications such as infertility may occur when urethritis is not treated well.