uretritti

Uretrite is the inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It is a common condition that can affect both men and women. The primary symptom is usually pain or burning during urination, often described as dysuria. Other symptoms can include a frequent urge to urinate, cloudy urine, and discharge from the urethra.

The most common cause of urethritis is infection. In men, it is frequently caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, though non-STI causes like bacteria from the skin or irritation can also occur. In women, while STIs are a cause, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and irritation from soaps, douches, or diaphragms are also common culprits.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and urine tests to identify the presence of bacteria or white blood cells, indicating inflammation. If an STI is suspected, specific tests for those pathogens will be performed. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics. For non-infectious causes, the focus is on removing the irritant and managing symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications such as epididymitis or prostatitis in men, or pelvic inflammatory disease in women.