Urethritis affects mainly people with a penis and means inflammation of the urethra (the urine and semen passage). The urethra can be affected by various sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The most common causes are infection with
gonorrhoea and chlamydia; however, other bacteria or viruses may be involved.
Sometimes there may be no symptoms of urethritis. If present, symptoms may include discharge (pus or fluid) from the urethra (urine and semen passage), pain or discomfort passing urine, or an uncomfortable feeling in the urethra.
Urethritis can often be treated with medication quickly. If it is not treated, however, the effects can be lasting and quite serious. The infection may spread to other parts of the urinary tract, including the ureters, kidneys, and bladder and lead to infertility (not being able to conceive babies.)
The best way to find out if you have urethritis is to have a sexual health check. A small swab is inserted into the tip of the penis to obtain a sample of fluid - this is then examined under a microscope to check for signs of inflammation. At the same time, the nurse or doctor will also do specific tests for gonorrhoea and chlamydia. If tests for gonorrhoea and chlamydia are negative, then the urethritis is usually called non-specific (or NSU for short).
If it is confirmed that you have urethritis or NSU from the microscope test, you will be given antibiotics. This may be either a course of tablets over several days, or a single dose - your health professional will advise what is best for you. If there are signs of gonorrhoea at the time of examination then treatment is also given for this as well as treatment for NSU.
Urethritis can be prevented by using
condoms
correctly every time you have sex from start to finish.
If you are diagnosed with urethritis or NSU it is important that you tell your sexual partners. The most common cause of urethritis is chlamydia, so sexual partners also need testing and treatment. Even if your STI check is negative, it is still advisable that your sexual partners get treatment as current tests can occasionally miss chlamydia even when it is the cause of the urethritis or NSU. Read our page on How to tell a partner about STIs?