Inflammation of the urethra is a condition called urethritis. Urethritis can be caused by bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, as well as non-infectious causes such as irritation from soap or other chemicals.
The most common causes of urethritis are sexually transmitted infections (STDs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasms, mycoplasmas. Symptoms of urethritis may include pain or burning when urinating, discharge from the urethra, and increased frequency of urination. In men, the urethra is longer than in women, so urethritis is more common in men.
Treatment for urethritis depends on the underlying cause. Antibiotics are often used to treat bacterial infections, while antiviral drugs may be used for viral infections. It is important to treat urethritis quickly because if left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications. In addition, practicing safe sex and using condoms can help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases that can cause urethritis.
