Urethritis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the urethra (urethra), affecting both men and women. There are infectious and non-infectious forms of the disease, the latter include traumatic, iatrogenic, allergic and resulting from metabolic disorders. Infectious urethritis is caused by microorganisms. These can be non-specific inhabitants of the urogenital tract (streptococci, Escherichia coli, fungi) and specific pathogens of sexual infections (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, chlamydia). In addition to the main reasons, doctors also identify factors predisposing to the development of the disease:
- hypothermia;
- urolithiasis;
- insufficient water intake;
- heavy physical activity;
- operations and manipulations on the genitals;
- promiscuous.
Signs of urethritis
So, figured out what kind of disease urethritis. Its symptoms are as follows: discomfort during urination or at rest (pain, pain, burning), discharge from the urethra, the need for frequent urination, butthe amount of urine is small. Sometimes there is an increase in body temperature.
The doctor can not accurately determine only by complaints whether it is cystitis or urethritis. Their symptoms are similar, so a more detailed examination of the patient is needed to more specifically determine which part of the genitourinary system is involved.
How is this condition diagnosed and treated?
There is the following algorithm for diagnosing urethritis: symptoms (including complaints) indicate which organ system in the patient is affected, and make it possible to suspect this disease. Then the doctor prescribes blood and urine tests, a smear of the discharge of the urethra and bacteriological culture. If there are other complaints and it is necessary to determine the prevalence of the process in the urinary tract, then other diagnostic methods are also used, including instrumental studies (for example, ultrasound of the kidneys).
Some people have urethritis incidentally only on laboratory tests and have mild or no symptoms.
When urethritis (symptoms) is detected in a patient, treatment is prescribed as soon as possible, not only because this disease bothers the person and reduces the quality of life. Also, urethritis can be complicated by the spread of infection up the urinary tract to the kidneys and cause inflammation. Its consequences can be vaginitis in women, inflammation of the testicles and their appendages, seminal vesicles, prostate, narrowing of the urethra in men.
Treatment includes the use of antibiotics or disinfectants,diuretic and immune-boosting drugs, the use of warm underwear made from natural fabrics.
How to prevent illness?
Such an unpleasant disease as inflammation of the urethra can be prevented by observing personal hygiene and the culture of sexual behavior (including the use of condoms), regularly visiting a urologist and treating diseases without allowing the process to become chronic.
