Description
Inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The disease is often classified as gonococcal urethritis or non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). NGU has both infectious and non-infectious causes. In men, a thick yellow discharge usually indicates a gonococcal urethritis; while clear discharge is more suggestive of NGU. The disorder is difficult to diagnose in women because discharge may not be present. Both sexes may experience burning with urination. The causes of NGU include adenovirus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Escherichia coli, Herpes simplex, Mycoplasma genitalium, and trichomonas.
Symptoms
Painful urination, discharge from the penis, itching of the penis.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A urethral culture done with a swab or urinary culture helps determine which infection is causing the urethritis. Urethral swabs yield better results in men compared to urine cultures.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Urology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A urethral culture done with a swab or urinary culture helps determine which infection is causing the urethritis. Urethral swabs yield better results in men compared to urine cultures.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Urology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder. Antibiotics will be prescribed if the cause is a bacterial infection.