About this condition
Urethritis means inflammation of the urethra, the channel through which urine leaves the body. Burning, discharge or irritation can occur, and some infections cause only mild symptoms.
What to know
Several infectious agents, including some sexually transmitted infections, may cause urethritis. Other urinary problems or noninfectious irritation can resemble it. Neither the appearance of a discharge nor pain alone reliably identifies an organism.
Symptoms and reasons for assessment
Signs include stinging or burning with urination, discomfort at the urethral opening, an unusual discharge or irritation. Symptoms can be intermittent or subtle. Fever or testicular pain suggests a need to assess for complications or another condition.
Other possible causes
Cystitis can also cause painful urination but involves the bladder rather than specifically the urethra. A clinician considers sexual history, the distribution of symptoms and laboratory findings to avoid treating different problems as if they were the same.
How clinicians assess the problem
After discussing symptoms and exposures confidentially, the clinician may request a first-void urine sample, a swab or molecular tests for relevant pathogens. Urine culture and partner testing are considered in selected circumstances; a standard urine test alone may be insufficient.
Treatment and follow-up options
Treatment depends on the suspected or confirmed cause, with different regimens used for different organisms. Follow medical guidance about sexual contact and partner notification or treatment when an STI is identified. Do not self-prescribe antibiotics because this can interfere with accurate assessment.
When urgent care is necessary
Fever, pronounced testicular swelling or pain, inability to pass urine, or severe general illness requires urgent medical assessment. Sudden severe testicular pain warrants immediate emergency evaluation; call 103 when necessary.
Related health information
Pain or burning during urination; Orchiepididymitis; Cystitis in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis and tests
Care and treatment approaches
When to seek urgent care
Frequently asked questions
Is urethritis always a sexually transmitted infection?
No. STIs are important possible causes, but other infections and noninfectious irritation can cause similar complaints.
Is a routine urine test always enough?
No. If a specific sexually transmitted pathogen is suspected, a molecular test may be needed.
Should my partner be tested?
If a sexually transmitted infection is diagnosed, the clinician will explain partner notification and testing or treatment where appropriate.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
