Urethritis (Inflammation of the Urethra): Symptoms

Urethritis does not always cause symptoms, but there are some typical signs. It can be diagnosed in several ways, such as with the help of a swab or a urine test. Learn how to recognize urethritis here.

What are the symptoms of urethritis?

A man’s urethra is about 25 to 30 centimeters long, while a woman’s is only three to four centimeters long. No wonder, then, that inflammation of the urethra occurs more frequently in men and usually causes more discomfort, whereas in women the germs more often travel directly to the bladder and are more likely to cause the inflammation there (cystitis).

Urethritis can cause different symptoms in men and women and is not always easy to recognize.

Signs of urethritis

Symptoms vary depending on the pathogen, its form, and gender. It is estimated that in a quarter of cases (especially in women) there are no or barely noticeable symptoms, which is why the germs are often passed on unnoticed. However, in addition to the usual symptoms, lower abdominal pain may occur.

A typical symptom of inflammation is discharge, which tends to be purulent in an acute form and whitish-glassy in a chronic form. Other symptoms of urethritis are:

  • An uncomfortable, burning or painful urination.
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Itching or burning in the urethra
  • Possibly blood in the urine
  • Possibly redness of the urethral outlet

Rarely, fever and general symptoms also occur. In senile urethritis may also be bladder weakness (urinary incontinence) and itching in the vagina; the discharge, however, is absent.

Urethritis: how is the diagnosis made?

First, the doctor – for example, the family doctor or urologist – will ask about exact symptoms and past history, especially diseases, examinations and treatments of the urinary system.

During the physical examination, which often reveals a reddened urethral opening, a swab is taken from the urethra using a small wire loop. This secretion is examined under the microscope and, if necessary, incubated on a culture medium to detect the pathogens.

The urine is also examined for signs of inflammation and germs. Further tests (for example, blood test, urogram, cystoscopy) depend on the findings and the suspected diagnosis.