Definition
An inflammation of the urethra is also called urethritis in medical jargon. It is an inflammation of the mucous membrane in the area of the urethra. This comes off the bladder and leads the urine to the outside.
Like the inflammation of the bladder, urethritis belongs to the group of lower urinary tract infections. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection with bacterial pathogens. In most cases the disease is sexually transmitted. In women in particular, if the disease is left untreated, there is a risk that it will spread further, affect the reproductive organs and result in sterility (infertility).
Causes
In most cases, urethritis is transmitted through sexual contact. This is the case for both men and women. By far the most common trigger is bacteria, which are transmitted through sexual contact.
A distinction is made here between specific and non-specific urethritis: in rare cases, urethritis occurs as an accompanying symptom in the context of other diseases. For example, in Reiter’s syndrome, a disease from the rheumatic group. This leads to a triad of symptoms consisting of urethritis, joint inflammation (arthritis), especially of the knee and ankle joints, and conjunctivitis.
Mechanical irritation of the urethra can also lead to inflammation. For example through a urinary catheter. Allergic reactions, for example to lubricants, can also cause urethritis.
- Specific urethritis is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and is better known as gonorrhoea or gonorrhea.
- Non-specific urethritis is mostly caused by bacteria called chlamydia. This form of urethritis is also sexually transmitted.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis always starts with anamnesis. The doctor will ask what symptoms exist, since when they have existed, whether there are previous illnesses, whether the illness has occurred before and whether there are currently changing sexual partners. This is followed by a physical examination, during which the urethra in particular is examined.
Signs such as reddening of the urethral entrance or discharge are looked for. In men, the testicles and the prostate are also examined, as in some cases these can also be affected by the inflammation. After the examination, a urine sample must be taken so that a urine status can be made. Here it is checked whether inflammation cells or red blood cells are present in the urine. A smear can also be taken from the urethra to determine the pathogens exactly.
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