Urethritis
Inflammation of the urethra usually caused by one of a variety of infectious organisms, the best known of which is the bacterium that causes GONORRHEA.
Cause. Nonspecific urethritis may be caused by one of a number of different types of microorganisms, including BACTERIA, YEASTS, or CHLAMYDIA. Bacteria may spread to the urethra from the skin or rectum.
Symptoms. A burning sensation and pain when urinating that can be severe. The urine may be stained with blood; if gonorrhea is the underlying cause, there may be a yellow pus-filled discharge. The infection may be followed by scarring that narrows the urethra, which can make urinating more difficult.
Treatment. Treating the underlying infection will cure the urethritis. Gonorrhea is usually cured by penicillin or other antibiotic. Treatment of nonspecific urethritis depends on what organism is causing the infection. If the urethra is scarred (urethral stricture), a physician may try to stretch and widen the tube under anesthesia.
