Irritated Urethra

Urethra is a tube in the body whose main function is to transport liquid wastes outside the body, from the bladder, through the tip of the penis in men and an opening above the vagina in women. An irritation or inflammation of the urethra usually occurs on account of a condition known as urethritis. If it becomes chronic then it can lead to urethral syndrome. Below are the causes, symptoms and treatment for urethritis.

Causes

• Urethritis is caused by certain bacteria and virus, which are also responsible for causing urinary tract infections as well as sexually transmitted diseases. Some bacteria and virus which may lead to urethritis are E.coli, adenovirus, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus.
• It can be caused by certain sexually transmitted diseases as well such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Other causes are any injury caused to the urethra or sensitivity to chemicals found in contraceptive creams and spermicides.

Symptoms

The symptoms of urethritis vary in males and females, although an irritated urethra is observed in both. In men, the symptoms include burning and pain during urination, blood in urine, discharge from the penis, excessive urination, pain while having intercourse and swelling, itchiness, tenderness in the groin area.

In women, the symptoms include pain in the abdominal area, pain and burning sensation when urinating, increased urination, discharge from the vagina, pain in the pelvic region, fever and chills.

Treatment

The doctors generally start with a physical examination of the abdomen, bladder, pelvic region and penis in men. Certain tests such as Complete Blood Count (CBC), pelvic ultrasound in women, urinalysis, test to check STDs and a C-reactive protein test may be conducted.

Once the exact cause and extent of the condition is determined, treatment is started which generally entails improving the symptoms, eliminating the reason behind the infection and ensuring that it does not spread any further.

If bacteria is the cause, then antibiotic therapy is suggested. Pain killers such as pyridium may also be given in case the patient is experiencing lots of pain in his urinary tract. Certain precautions which have to be taken along with the treatment are avoiding sex, eliminating the usage of products such as contraceptive creams, which may have caused the infection as well as preventing any kind of physical injury to the affected area.

Although irritated urethra is mostly caused by urethritis, yet sometimes it may happen that though a person is experiencing all its symptoms, the tests do not show any kind of infection. Such urethral irritation can be caused due to reasons such as repeatedly squeezing the urethra, overindulging in masturbation and sexual activities, dehydration leading to concentration of urine, excessive intake of caffeine or alcohol and certain allergies. If such is the case, then irritated urethra does not need any antibiotic therapy, it can be treated at home itself, by avoiding caffeine and alcohol, refraining from masturbation or squeezing the penis, limiting sexual activity and always using a condom during sex, drinking lots of water, and maintaining general and sexual hygiene.