Is urethritis an indication of HIV?

No. A urethritis has basically nothing to do with HIV in the first place. In most cases it is caused by bacteria. However, urethritis is one of the sexually transmitted diseases, just like HIV. Unprotected sexual intercourse therefore carries the risk of both urethritis and HIV.

Treatment/Therapy

The type of treatment depends on the triggering factor. For example, if it is an inflammation of the urethra caused by mechanical irritation, as may be the case with a lying bladder catheter, the therapy consists of removing the trigger (bladder catheter) and supporting measures such as the application of caring or cooling ointments. If – as in most cases – a bacterial infection is the trigger, antibiotic therapy should usually be initiated.

The type of antibiotic treatment depends on the trigger. In the case of an infection with Chlamydia, the antibiotic Doxycyclin is usually used for 7 days. Alternatively, azithromycin can be used once.

If it is not certain whether an infection with Chlamydia or Neisseria gonorrhoeae is involved or if gonorrhoeae is confirmed, azithromycin should be preferred. Ceftriaxone should also be used as a single dose. Either as an intramuscular injection, i.e.

injection into the muscle as with a vaccination, or as an intravenous administration, i.e. via an access in the vein. If it is a sexually transmitted disease, in most cases the sexual partner should also be treated, as otherwise the disease can be transmitted from one to another. If complications occur, such as inflammation of the prostate or (epididymis) in men or inflammation of the fallopian tubes in women, additional antibiotic therapy may be necessary.

The same applies to inflammation of the renal pelvis or urosepsis developing from urethritis. In the case of a bacterial infection, it is recommended to drink a lot to flush out the pathogens and prevent them from rising. Sexual contact should be avoided during urethritis.

In addition, if the sexual partners are still changing, protected intercourse should be given preference as the risk of infection is significantly reduced. For the treatment of a urethral infection or its complications, antibiotics are primarily used. Doxycycline is the drug of choice for chlamydia infections.

An infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea) should be treated with a combination of azithromycin and ceftriaxone. In case of complications such as prostatitis or epididymitis in men or ovarian inflammation in women as well as inflammation of the renal pelvis or urosepsis, other antibiotics may be used additionally. If the patients suffer from pain, the prescription of an analgesic such as ibuprofen can be useful.

If fever is present, antipyretic drugs such as metamizole or paracetamol can be used. In the case of urethritis caused by bacterial pathogens, and this is by far the most common form, antibiotic therapy should always be used.In addition, the sexual partner should be treated with antibiotics so that the two partners do not infect each other again and again. Mechanically triggered inflammations do not require antibiotic therapy, nor do allergic triggered infections.

As already described above, clarithromycin is usually used for chlamydial infections. Gonorrhea is treated with azithromycin and ceftriaxone. In the case of urethritis, it is important to avoid mechanical irritation.

Sexual intercourse should therefore be avoided until the disease has healed. It is important to drink a lot to flush out the germs (if germs were the trigger). In addition, the application of heat, for example in the form of a hot water bottle placed on the lower abdomen, can alleviate the discomfort.

Warm sitz baths, for example with chamomile, can also provide relief. Various teas are said to have a positive effect on urethritis. These include tea made from watercress, bearberry leaves, cranberry leaves, field horsetail, goldenrod, lovage and juniper berry.

Cranberry – in juice or tablet form – is said to prevent the colonization of the bladder and urethral mucosa with bacteria. A homeopathic remedy is recommended for the treatment of cystitis: Cantharis vesicatoria (Spanish fly). It is said to have analgesic effects, especially for pain in the lower pelvic area.

Taking Cantharis vesicatoria should significantly relieve the pressure on the bladder and the burning pain when urinating. It can also be used to treat the frequent urge to urinate. The recommended dose is 3 globules of Cantharis D5 every 30 minutes.

There is little mention in the literature of the use of Schüssler salts for the treatment of urethritis. The most recommended dose is Schüssler Salt Number 9, Sodium phosphoricum. In case of acute complaints 1 tablet of this can be taken every 10 to 15 minutes.